France v Senegal: World Cup predictions, best bets and odds

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France and Senegal will be reminded of 2002. Back then, as reigning world champions, Les Bleus faced the Lions of Teranga in their opening match of the tournament. They were beaten by the narrowest of margins—a painful memory in the history of the French team, who were knocked out in the group stage.

This Monday, Les Bleus have the chance to take their revenge. But caution is needed. Up against them is a Senegalese team who were African champions on the pitch (before the authorities decided to crown Morocco), and have serious ambitions for this World Cup.

Below, we have three predictions based on statistical analysis. You can also find and follow these stats live on your Flashscore app (available on iOS and Android).

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France v Senegal predictions

France win or draw  – 1/16 @ Paddy Power

Over 1.5 goals – 1/4 @ Paddy Power

Kylian Mbappé to score or assist – 4/7 @ Paddy Power

Odds correct at the time of writing, subject to change.

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France not to lose this match

Didier Deschamps’ side are among the favourites to win the tournament. Unsurprisingly, they are also the bookmakers’ favourites for this opening game. However, it’s difficult to truly judge the form of the French team. Les Bleus lost their warm-up match against the Ivory Coast (1-2) and then beat Northern Ireland (3-1), without being entirely convincing.

What mindset will they have going into this match against Senegal? Can the Lions of Teranga repeat their 2002 feat?

Despite their attacking power, with Sadio Mané leading the line, Senegal don’t seem to be at their best either. They are coming off a defeat to the United States (3-2) and a draw with Saudi Arabia (0-0). They’ll need to show a different side if they want to take all three points.

Tip: France win or draw  – 1/16 @ Paddy Power

Bet explanation: You win if France win or the match ends in a draw.

Over 1.5 goals in this match

The last 15 matches played by the French national football team have all seen at least two goals scored. For Senegal, seven of their last ten matches have also ended with at least two goals. The trend is clear, and we’re choosing to follow it.

On top of that, Les Bleus’ attacking strength—widely regarded by many observers as the best in the tournament—cannot be ignored. Désiré Doué, Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé... The Senegalese defence cannot afford to leave any gaps.

It’s worth noting that the two teams have only met once in an official match. That was in the famous 2002 match. And while Senegal won by the narrowest of margins, it’s hard to draw any conclusions from a game played over twenty years ago.

Tip: Over 1.5 goals – 1/4 @ Paddy Power

Bet explanation: you win if two or more goals are scored in this match.

Mbappé to be decisive in this match

After a quiet game against the Ivory Coast, Kylian Mbappé bounced back well against Northern Ireland, delivering a much more accomplished performance. However, the Madrid striker didn’t score or provide an assist in either of those two matches.

Out for revenge, the French captain shines at World Cups. He has already scored 12 goals in two editions and is just four behind Miroslav Klose, the tournament’s all-time top scorer. While that record is surely in the back of his mind, Mbappé will, above all, want to reassure himself and his teammates.

Making a decisive impact against Senegal in this opening match would silence the critics and get his team off to the best possible start in their quest for the title, so we’re backing the Frenchman to either score or provide an assist.

Tip: Kylian Mbappé to score or assist – 4/7 @ Paddy Power

Bet explanation: you win if Kylian Mbappé scores or provides an assist in this match.