France and Germany will collide in a blockbuster friendly in Lyon on Saturday evening.
Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann will come firmly under the microscope, and after taking over at the end of September, results have been somewhat underwhelming during his tenure.
Two draws and a defeat in his first three matches in charge will have done little to appease those who will be hoping the Euro 2024 hosts can deliver on home soil in the summer.
Six uncapped players have been named in the Germany squad, while Toni Kroos is set to make a spectacular return to the fold after coming out of retirement.
France, meanwhile, will be bereft of Antoine Griezmann for the first time in seven years after the Atletico Madrid talisman withdrew with an ankle sprain.
Nevertheless, Les Bleus will no doubt take this glamour friendly seriously and Didier Deschamps could field a full-strength side at least for the first half.
This game will give an interesting glimpse into how both sides are shaping up ahead of the Euros, but how will things unfold?
I have run the rule over this clash and supplied a couple of betting tips to give you food for thought.
France to exact revenge
While this may only be a friendly, it will be anything but, and retribution will be on the minds of those in the French camp. In their previous clash, Germany claimed a 2-1 win.
It marked Germany’s 11th victory in 33 meetings with France, however, that was before Nagelsmann took over, and he is still trying to find his feet.
But he doesn’t have much time to do so, and with a friendly looming against the Netherlands, Naglesmann will want to prove his side can contend at the Euros.
France, meanwhile, have been in free-scoring mode, netting 20 times in their past three competitive outings, although 14 of those strikes came in a staggering 14-0 victory over Gibraltar back in November.
Germany have at times flattered to deceive, but I think France could produce a statement performance and sweep Naglesmann’s charges aside.
For my first pick, I’m going with France to claim a win and the Over 2.5 goals line to be fulfilled which is priced at an inviting 13/8 with William Hill.
Kylian Mbappe to use his head to good effect
Kylian Mbappe is primed to lead France into another major tournament this summer, but on the club front, a big move is on the cards with Real Madrid touted to be his next destination.
The 25-year-old has been in mesmerising form this term, plundering home 37 goals for club and country.
Perhaps what is more intriguing, is that since the middle of last month, Mbappe has played the full 90 minutes in just three matches, including a 2-1 win over Montpellier in Ligue 1.
Deschamps will probably want to keep Mbappe, who sat out the previous friendly to Germany, wrapped up in cotton wool between now and the Euros.
However, I expect Mbappe to play some part, and I think he will get on the scoresheet.
But rather than plump on him to score with a mazy solo run and trademark strike, I fancy Mbappe to net with his head.
Should you wish to pursue that special, bet365 has delivered tempting odds of 20/1.
Bet £10 Get £20 in Free Bets
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