Odds courtesy of TonyBet.
Turkey vs France Odds
By no surprise, soccer betting sites have France as a massive -228 moneyline favorite for Friday’s encounter. Turkey returns as a +560 underdog, while a draw is priced at long +400 odds. The O/U is set at three goals.
These two sides have only locked horns six times all-time, with France winning four. Their last meeting in 2019 ended 1-1.
Turkey vs France Analysis
The pressure will be on Turkey to perform in the Nations League after a very poor World Cup showing. The Crescent-Stars failed to get out of the group stages, losing to Australia and Paraguay before beating the United States, who had already qualified for the knockout rounds. They scored just two goals in three matches while conceding five. Now, Turkey faces a highly difficult Nations League group, where they’ll also have to play Italy and Belgium.
Starting this competition with France will be a stiff test. Vincenzo Montella remains at the helm despite a underwhelming summer, and he’s selected a similar squad as the World Cup. However, Montella has handed four players their first senior call-ups, and Turkey will be missing two very important players. We’ll elaborate below.
Les Bleus will have a brand new look on the touchline come Friday. After 14 years, Didier Descahmps left his position as the France boss, and a legend in Zidane takes over. The former French international hasn’t managed since his job with Real Madrid, but there’s little doubt Zidane will have success. Deschamps’ final tournament saw France exit in the semifinals this past summer, losing to eventual winners Spain 2-0.
France were dominant up until that point, though, winning every single match and scoring tons of goals in the process. Kylian Mbappe won the World Cup Golden Boot after bagging six and he enters the international break in good form. The Real Madrid star has already scored six seven goals in as many La Liga appearances. Zidane selected a similar squad as we’re used to seeing, but five players will make their France debuts.
Turkey vs France Injury News
Turkey are without two of their biggest names for Friday's clash, with Hakan Çalhanoğlu sidelined by a groin injury and Kenan Yıldız recovering from a broken foot. Mert Müldür is also absent through injury, while Orkun Kökçü, Yunus Akgün and Deniz Gül have dealt with fitness issues during the international window.
France have several notable absentees of their own. William Saliba, Theo Hernández and Jean-Philippe Mateta are among those unavailable through injury, while Warren Zaïre-Emery withdrew from the squad. Ibrahima Konaté has also pulled out after suffering a minor knee sprain in training, with Leny Yoro called up as his replacement. Mbappé has been dealing with flu-like symptoms, although he is expected to be available.
Turkey vs France Picks
Turkey struggled immensely in the World Cup, and facing a France side with serious quality in every area will be a massive task. However, home soil could help the hosts make this one competitive. I’ll take a one-goal victory for Les Bleus.
Pick: France to win by 1 goal (+295)/TonyBet
