France vs Germany Preview

At 8PM tonight (GMT) the second Semi Final kicks off in Marseille. It is sure to be an entertaining affair with stars such as Pogba and Griezmann on display for the hosts France, whilst Neuer and Kroos will be hoping to do their nation, Germany, proud. The hosts will be relieved to see Kante back for selection but even more content to see German central defender Hummels suspended since it was his decisive goal that knocked them out the World Cup in Brazil.


Team news, France : 
 NO INJURY CONCERNS OR SUSPENSIONS 
Returning : Kante (returns from suspension), Rami (returns from suspension),

Team news, Germany : 
Out : Matt Hummels (suspended), Sami Khedira (injured), Mario Gomez (injured)
Doubts : Bastian Schweinsteiger and Benedict Howedes
Returning : /

Predicted line ups : 

France : Expect a return to Deschamps's preferred 4-3-3 formation with Rami and Kante coming in for Umtiti and Sissoko respectably. The previous 4-2-3-1 system with Griezmann as CAM worked perfectly against Iceland however Germany offer a much greater threat, Deschamps will most likely squeeze Kante into the system to act as a shield and allow Pogba to operate in a much more roaming role. Do not be surprised that if France go a goal down and are desperate for a goal that Deschamps switches back to the more ambitious 4-2-3-1 and sacrifices Leicester man Kante for the physicality of Sissoko or sheer pace of Coman, a winger with more gas than a petrol station.

Germany ; Low is sure to be frustrated with the minor injury crisis and consequently losing the vital experience of Hummels and Khedira, as well as the focal point in attack in Mario Gomez. Howedes is almost certain to come in for Hummels after he returned to group training on Wednesday having nursed a slight knock. Similarly Schweinsteiger is to captain Germany despite not participating in full training all week long. Gotze is in for Gomez to the disappointment of many Germans, since Gotze, the 24 year old who scored the World Cup winner, is not a true striker unlike Gomez and can't hold the ball up anywhere near as effectively. Germany may potentially start with 4 CAMS up top in Draxler, Ozil, Muller and Gotze, this could be their downfall as without a clinical finish the creative build up is all for nothing.


Prediction : France and Germany are regarded as equal favorites for this match however I believe with a home advantage and impact subs (Coman, Gignac, Sissoko) on the bench France will edge it. I think Germany will struggle in front of goal with a misfiring Muller and an under confident Gotze and will rarely threaten Lloris. I am predicting a 1-0 France victory in a match where Pogba, Payet and Neuer will excel.

ALLEZ LA GARS