Tunisia vs France: 2022 World Cup, Group Stage Match Preview, and Dream11 Predictions

Tunisia vs France is next as France go into their final Group D game knowing qualification for the last 16 of the World Cup is already guaranteed.

Match Details:

• Location: Al Rayyan, Qatar
• Stadium: Education City Stadium
• Date: Wednesday 30 November 2022
• Kick-off time: 8:30 PM IST
• Watch: Sports 18/HD, Jio Cinema App

Tunisia vs France: Match Preview:

Wins against Australia and Denmark mean the defending champions are almost guaranteed to finish top of Group D and, with such a packed schedule, Deschamps has the luxury of being able to leave out the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann.

Les Bleus had Paul Pogba, N'Golo Kante, Karim Benzema and Christopher Nkunku ruled out before the tournament started while first-choice left-back Lucas Hernandez lasted just 13 minutes of their opening game against the Socceroos before sustaining a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, and Deschamps seems unlikely to risk more of his star men.

Hernandez has been replaced by his brother Theo, although he too may be left out against Tunisia given the lack of depth on the left side of defence.

That could mean Jules Kounde makes the move across from right-back, something the Barcelona defender would be willing to do.

Kounde said: "It's another chance to play in the France team. I've always tried to do my best and play with a lot of desire.

"Left-back would be another position. I think I've played it once, we'll see what the coach decides."

Kounde got the nod at right-back against Denmark in place of Benjamin Pavard, who started France's opener against Australia.

"It's healthy competition," Kounde said of his battle with the Bayern Munich man. "We try to bring the maximum when we play. I have to bring more offensively and improve technically."

Tunisia have taken one point from their two games and have yet to score. The 1-0 defeat to Australia on Saturday was a major blow to their hopes of advancing, and they must beat France to stand any chance.

Coach Jalel Kadri is also considering changes in a bid to improve their creativity.

He said: "We lost a crucial match, but we will give everything we have in the last game.

"We don't change the team for the sake of changing, but we make adjustments to adapt to the way the rival teams play. We will analyse our performance and fix our mistakes."

Team News:

Tunisia:

With victory needed here, Jalal Kadri may turn to old Premier League favourite Wahbi Khazri to spice things up in attack.

The former Sunderland attacker is yet to start a game in attack, with Naim Sliti and Youssef Msakni preferred in the forward spots behind striker Issam Jebali, but may get the opportunity here.

France:

With qualification already assured, France boss Didier Deschamps may take this opportunity to give minutes to a few players yet to see action.

That could mean rests for the likes of Raphael Varane - only just back from injury - and Olivier Giroud. It'll be tough to convince Kylian Mbappe to have a rest, though - the Paris Saint-Germain forward already has three goals this tournament.

Tunisia vs France: Head to Head:

The two teams have crossed paths five times thus far, with all meetings being friendly encounters. France have been the dominant side in these games and enjoy a 2-1 lead in wins while the spoils have been shared between the two rivals.

Since a 2-1 defeat in 1971, France are undefeated against the African team, scoring seven goals while conceding thrice in that period.

France have won their last six matches in the World Cup while Tunisia are winless in 15 of their last 16 games in the competition.

Predicted Line-ups:

Tunisia Starting 11 (3-4-2-1): Dahmen; Bronn, Meriah, Talbi; Drager, Skhiri, Laidouni, Abdi; Sliti, Khazri; Jebali.
Bench: Hassen, Balbouli, Maaloul, Chaalali, Mejbri, Slimane, Said, Ifa, Romdhane, Jaziri, Ghandri, Kechrida, Khenissi, Sassi, Msakni.

France Starting 11 (4-2-3-1): Lloris; Pavard, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez; Guendouzi, Rabiot; Coman, Camavinga, Mbappe; Thuram.
Bench: Varane, Hernandez, Tchouameni, Dembele, Griezmann, Giroud, Fofana, Konate, Mandanda, Areola, Veretout, Disasi, Muani.

TUN vs FRA: Dream11 Predictions:

Dream11 will be updated soon.

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