After two victories over Ukraine and Iceland last month, the French team is aiming to make it three against Azerbaijan on Friday evening at the Parc des Princes. This is for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
For this match which has the appearance of a formality (in 1995 in Auxerre, the Blues crushed the Azerbaijanis with a score of 10-0), Didier Deschamps could have been tempted to do without the services of a certain Kylian Mbappé – who has been spared these days after a bad blow received last weekend with Real Madrid. It won't happen.
“ I want to play and the coach wants me to play », Says the French captain, who trained normally this Thursday. However, it is in the number 10 position – or second attacker – that the Merengue should play on this occasion. Within the 4-2-3-1 which seems to be taking shape on the eve of the meeting.
Ekitike, K. Thuram and Gusto from the outset
In this system, Hugo Ekitike, a month after his baptism of fire with the A, would occupy the forefront of the attack, supported by Kylian Mbappé, therefore, but also by Michael Olise and Kingsley Coman – who has not started in the selection for two years and a card made at the expense of Gibraltar (14-0). Khéphren Thuram should don his second cape in midfield. And Malo Gusto celebrates his second international start in the right lane of defense.
The expected eleven of the Blues against Azerbaijan: Maignan – Gusto, Saliba, Upamecano, T. Hernandez – K. Thuram, Rabiot – Olise, Mbappé, Coman – Ekitike
