Last test gallops for the Blues before the big departure for the United States. Didier Deschamps’ men will host Ivory Coast in Nantes this evening (9:10 p.m.), then Northern Ireland in Lille on Monday. A priori, the Blues coach should rotate for this meeting, and none of his Champions League finalists would start as starters.
Without much surprise, Mike Maignan will occupy the French goals. Jules Koundé will be aligned in the right lane, while Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konaté will form the central hinge. Usually the holder, William Saliba will be left to rest. On the left, Théo Hernandez could obtain the favors of Didier Deschamps for this meeting, even if Lucas Digne also has arguments.
A unique offensive quartet
The French coach should bet on a Rabiot – Tchouameni pair in midfield, and on a new offensive quartet up front. Kylian Mbappé should start as number 9, with Michael Olise in support. Marcus Thuram would occupy the left lane, while Rayan Cherki would be on the right, but a priori in an interior winger role. Didier Deschamps wants to distribute playing time, and it is not impossible that he makes around 10 changes during the match.
Opposite, Émerse Faé also has a World Cup to prepare, and the Ivorian coach plans to bring out the heavy artillery. Yahia Fofana will be in goal, protected by a defense of Guela Doué, Kossounou, Ousmane Diomandé, and Konan. The prodigy Christ Inao Oulaï should be associated with Ibrahim Sangaré and Franck Kessié, while Elye Wahi will be lined up up front. Amad Diallo, on the right, and Yan Diomandé, on the left, will be responsible for supplying the former Niçois.
