After the unconvincing success against Azerbaijan on Friday evening, France finds a tougher opponent on its path. Especially on his Icelandic lands, where it is hard to shine. If France has never lost in Iceland, it has never left with great success in its bags. However, even a short could be enough to validate qualification for the next World Cup, if at the same time Ukraine does not beat Azerbaijan. To do this, Didier Deschamps will have to deal with injuries, which are added to the numerous early withdrawals.
In defense, there is nothing to worry about, the rearguard is very present, with Maignan in the goals, Upamecano and Saliba in the axis, Koundé on the right and Digne on the left. A defense that looks a lot like the one that could be fielded at the next World Cup. On the other hand, it is in the middle and in attack that there are many absentees. The latest to be uncertain, Adrien Rabiot. As a result, it is a Camavinga-Manu Koné double pivot which could start the meeting.
Florian Thauvin starting in 10?
After the 4-4-2 installed to face Azerbaijan, it is the 4-2-3-1 which should make its return this Monday evening. With a truly unique offensive quartet. Indeed, Deschamps should put Nkunku on the left, Olise on the right and Florian Thauvin in number 10, in support of Mateta, who could thus get his first start. With Kylian Mbappé out, the Crystal Palace striker could well start, rather than Hugo Ekitike.
Opposite, it is a team reinforced defensively, with a line of 5, which awaits the Blues, with Olafsson in goal. For the rest, it should be classic, with the restless Haraldsson, who plays at LOSC, Gudmundsson on the other side and a two-headed attack, with Thorsteinsson and Gudjohnsen. To afford a quiet November international break, with two final matches against Ukraine then in Azerbaijan, France will have to do the job this evening in Iceland.
