Since Monday and the start of this October course at Clairefontaine, a little music has been running through the corridors of the castle: the Blues
would have done the hard part by negotiating the September rally in the best possible way (victories against Ukraine and Iceland).
It is also rumored that the Blues would not need their strength to beat Azerbaijan this Friday evening, for the first of their two matches during this fortnight (kick-off at 8:45 p.m.). This is good, since Didier Deschamps is faced with a real massacre. The Blues coach declared it transparently: there will be a significant rotation for this first meeting. The most overhauled sector will certainly be the attack, which has already recorded the withdrawals of Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Bradley Barcola and Marcus Thuram.
Didier Deschamps, coach of the France team.
The case of Kylian Mbappé is of concern. Arriving at Clairefontaine with discomfort, the captain of the Blues followed an adapted program before training normally on Thursday, the eve of the match. He should start well to try to panic the counters a little more and get closer to Olivier Giroud's goals record (57 goals against 52 for the Madrilenian). Summoned for this gathering, the new kid Jean-Philippe Mateta and the returning Florian Thauvin will probably have playing time from this Friday, but it is Hugo Ekitike who is expected to take the lead.
Changes in all lines
Michael Olise, who continues to gain influence, should continue, while Maghnes Akliouche, Kingsley Coman and Christopher Nkunku are also applying for a place in the eleven. The experience of the former Bayern winger argues in his favor for tenure.
In the midfield, no Tchouaméni-Koné pair with the absence of the Madrilenian, but the possible tenure of Adrien Rabiot with Kephren Thuram. Finally, behind, William Saliba makes his return. The Gunner could start alongside Dayot Upamecano, while Malu Gusto and Théo Hernandez are tipped to occupy the sides. Mike Maignan is in good shape and will hold his place in goal.
The expected line-up for the Blues : Maignan – Gusto, Saliba, Upamecano, T. Hernandez – K. Thuram, Rabiot – Coman, Olise, Ekitike – Mbappé (cap.).
