The tournament favourites, having come out on top after surviving a brutal group of death, now have to overcome tricky Switzerland to continue their quest for the elusive International double.
France
The current world champions were the only team in the group of death to avoid a defeat. France have had a topsy turvy time so far, but all in all, they have been pretty solid.
Didier Deschamps has also been able to put in a core group of players with minute changes, especially in the full-back department.
They have gone onto concede first in the last two of their group matches, and they also conceded 2 penalties in the draw to Portugal.
The coach is planning a huge change to the formation as reports emerge of a back three being played out in the field tonight. This will bring in a third centre back to pair up with Presnel Kimpembe and Raphael Varane. The French side is blessed with centre back reserves with the capabilities of Jules Kounde and Clement Lenglet amongst their ranks.
The midfield duo of Paul Pogba and N’ Golo Kante have been prolific while the front line are heating up. Kylian Mbappe has not been able to go full throttle so far and will look to make amends.
There have been injuries in the bench of the French camp to the likes of Ousmane Dembele and Thomas Lemar. Moreover, with Lucas Digne and Lucas Hernandez both injured, Deschamps will have to field a make shift left wing back for the fixture.
Switzerland
The Swiss outfit themselves came through a tricky group after being drawn alongside Italy, Wales and Turkey.
Their ace player Xherdan Shaqiri stepped up with a brace against Turkey to seal their spot in the Round Of 16.
Switzerland are enjoying a prolific run in major competition as this marks their fourth consecutive knockout qualification. But this is also the stage where they have been the most vulnerable at.
Waging Odds: France (1.66) vs Switzerland (6.00)
France are favourites and are priced at 1.66, meaning if you bet ₹100 on them and if they win the match, you’ll be making ₹166.
Switzerland are priced at 6.00 and are the underdogs. Betting ₹100 on them will earn you ₹600 if they come out as winners.
Our Prediction
France were at their menacing best in the knockouts of the previous editions of Euros and World Cup, and as a result expect them to step up when the stakes are raised.
Incase the additional centre back plays, it will allow Paul Pogba to play with even more freedom and the front three will look to capitalise on the chances created, the onus being on Kylian Mbappe more than ever.
Expect a 2-0 win for France with Switzerland turning up with a decent fight.
Place your bets for the match here.
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