It is with a reduced group that Didier Deschamps tackles what is akin to one of the last pivotal matches of his mandate: the
Blues challenge Ukraine at the Parc des Princes to punch their ticket for the World Cup (kick-off at 8:45 p.m.).
Deprived of Parisians Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué, the coach must rethink the composition of his attack. The 4-2-3-1 formation launched at the start of the year should not change, but Deschamps will make strong decisions for his starting eleven.
Didier Deschamps, coach of the Blues.
A man could turn his international career around in an evening that will count, whatever its outcome. Rayan Cherki is expected to kick off this match. Author of a very promising debut at Manchester City, the former Lyonnais would take on the role of pure number 10 behind Kylian Mbappé.
Kanté back in the middle
The presence of Cherki could shift Michel Olise to a leading position on the right side, as the Olympic vice-champion has become accustomed to with his club, Bayern Munich. Cherki and Olise know each other perfectly having played together during the Olympics.
Bradley Barcola and Christopher Nkunku are in the balance for the fourth offensive position, with a head start for the latter. In the middle, the sensation of the evening could be the tenure of the returning N’Golo Kanté, expected alongside Manu Koné for an active and impactful tandem. The defensive line will be more classic, with the expected tenure of Jules Koundé, Lucas Digne and the Upamecano-Saliba pair. Mike Maignan will hold his place in the goals.
