Tunisia vs France: World Cup: Team news, lineups & prediction
France go into their final Group D game knowing qualification for the last 16 of the World Cup is already guaranteed.
Wins over Australia and Denmark have Les Bleus sitting pretty at the top of the group. They know as they as they avoid defeat here, they will finish first.
Things are much dicier for Tunisia. The north Africans have to win to stay alive in the tournament and will get second if the match between Australia and Denmark ends in a draw.
Here’s what you need to know about the game.
Tunisia vs France H2H Results
Current Form (Last Five Games)
Tunisia team news
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.
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 team news
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.
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.
If ever there was a time for a nation to rise to the occasion, it is Wednesday. Tunisia have displayed some excellent grit in defence so far but attacking intent is what they need to show against the French if they want to qualify.
A win will take them through if Australia vs. Denmark is a draw, but first on the agenda must be to earn all three points. However, that task just seems far too tall, even if Deschamps does make a raft of changes.
France will be able to play at their own pace and pick opportunities to hit their opposition on the counter, a nightmare when stars like Mbappe are primed and ready for action.
Tunisia may get the goal to inspire some hope of last 16 qualification, but most signs point to a straightforward France victory.
Prediction: France 3-1 Tunisia