France vs. Scotland Odds, Predictions & Betting Tips
Scotland qualified for Euro 2024 on Sunday without even kicking a ball - after Spain beat Norway - now Steve Clarke's troops will take to the field for a testing friendly against fellow qualifiers France at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Tuesday night.
Dean Woodward previews the match and provides his best bets.
France secured their place in Euro 2024 with a thrilling 2-1 win over the Netherlands, with Kylian Mbappe's brilliance taking centre stage. They've maintained a perfect record in Euro 2024 qualifiers and look formidable. However, their only friendly in 2023 ended in a 2-1 loss to Germany.
Following their match against the Netherlands, the France squad faces several potential changes, given the injuries to key players like William Saliba, Jules Kounde, Axel Disasi, and Dayot Upamecano.
This could mean opportunities for newcomers, with Malo Gusto likely to earn his first start after debuting against the Netherlands, and Castello Lukeba stepping in for the injured Disasi.
While Mbappe's brilliant performance against the Dutch elevated him in the all-time goal charts for France, the PSG star may see some rest, allowing Olivier Giroud and Ousmane Dembele a chance in the attacking lineup.
Scotland are smarting from a 2-0 defeat to Spain, marred by a disallowed goal. Although Spain's subsequent victory guaranteed Scotland a spot in Euro 2024, they'll want to avoid a third consecutive loss.
Recent history favours France, who have won five of their last seven meetings with Scotland, including a 3-0 friendly victory in 2016.
Scotland's woes stem from an injury to their captain, Andy Robertson, who suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder during the game against Spain. This unfortunate setback sent him back to Liverpool, leaving Nathan Patterson as a likely replacement in the defence.
With little at stake in this friendly, Scotland's coach, Steve Clarke, may consider changes, potentially creating opportunities for Billy Gilmour and Che Adams to return to the starting lineup.
France vs Scotland Tips
France win, France most corners, Scotland most cards
Friendlies can often be more difficult to find value, especially with France heavy odds on favourites (2/7 to win). BETMGM have priced a small builder which gets France on-side at a tasty looking 5/4.
With France looking nailed on to for a solid display yet again, it's likely they will be dominant enough to win and register the most corners in the match.
France have had the most corner counts in all of their last five, with a convincing 5-0 count against Germany. Scotland also registered only one corner against both Spain and England recently, whilst conceding seven and five in those games.
This bet almost feels like a single on Scotland to have the most cards (priced at 4/5 with bet365), although betting definitely does not work like that.
Scotland's knack for picking up cards is mightily impressive compared to the French, with Scotland picking up two or more cards in nine of their last 10 matches, only failing to do so against minnows Cyprus.
Frances's card counts can be hit-and-miss, but relatively low as a whole. Across their last five matches they have picked up just four yellows, with three of the games finishing with zero.
Olivier Giroud to score anytime
With a good chance of France's main man Kylian Mbappe being rested here, I am leaning towards the big, beautiful centre-forward getting on the scoresheet.
Across his last 12 starts for France, Olivier Giroud has netted eight times and looks a solid price to notch another on Tuesday night.
Scotland conceded two against Spain and three against England in their most recent matches, with a match-up against France being just as tough.
With France's goal line set at 2.5 and the overs being priced similarly to Giroud, I would think the value here is dabbling into the goalscorer markets, especially if Giroud is to lead the line alone without the goal threat of Mbappe.
