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

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Norway currently have six points in the standings. The Vikings beat Iraq (4-1) and then Senegal (3-2). France have the same number of points, but currently sit top of the group thanks to a better goal difference.

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Deschamps' Bleus have conceded just one goal since the start of the tournament, against Senegal (W, 3-1). They then overcame Iraq, in a match marked by a (very) long interruption due to particularly adverse weather conditions.

This match between the two European nations is a final before its time. The team that wins will finish top and should benefit from a slightly easier draw for the rest of the tournament. A draw will also be enough for France.

Norway v France, Friday, 20:00 BST

•    France not to lose this match - 4/25 with Bet365

•    Over 1.5 goals in this match - 9/50 with Bet365

•    Kylian Mbappé to be decisive - 47/100 with Bet365

Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.

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France not to lose against Norway

If there’s one thing for sure, it’s that Norway are a side full of quality. Ståle Solbakken can rely on an exceptional squad, which has qualified the Nordic nation for its first World Cup in 28 years. Erling Haaland, Martin Ødegaard and Alexander Sørloth are just some of the big names in this team.

Since the start of the tournament, Norway have taken maximum points. Two matches, two wins. They scored four against Iraq and three against Senegal. Seven goals in two games – it’s fair to say the Norwegians are clinical in front of goal. At the back, however, it’s a different story, with three goals already conceded.

Up against a France side that’s almost as clinical, with six goals in two games, the Norwegians could struggle. Led by an outstanding attacking trio (Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé), Les Bleus could take advantage of the defensive weaknesses shown, especially against Senegal, to make a big impact.

As well as a potent attack, Deschamps’ Bleus (who will miss the match following the sad passing of his mother) are also more solid defensively. They have conceded just one goal since the start of the tournament. For this match, our bet is that France will not lose.

Tip: France to win or draw @ 4/25

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

Over 1.5 goals in this match

We mentioned it earlier. Norway have already scored seven times at this World Cup. The Vikings netted four against Iraq and three against Senegal. Before that, in a friendly, the Norwegians drew with Morocco (1-1) and comfortably beat Sweden (3-1). They also scored 37 goals in eight qualifying matches, an average of 4.6 goals per game!

France are not far behind. Les Tricolores scored three against Senegal and three against Iraq. In a warm-up match, they only scored once against the Ivory Coast but three against Northern Ireland. They are also on a run of 17 matches with at least two goals scored in each.

Finally, a quick look at recent meetings between the two sides confirms our initial feeling. There have been 13 goals in total in the last three matches between these countries. Of the last five meetings, four have ended with at least two goals scored.

For this match, we’re following the trend. We’re backing an open game, with two attacking teams both looking to secure top spot. The Over 1.5 goals bet offered looks a solid choice, especially given the stats above and the attractive odds.

Tip: Over 1.5 goals in this match @ 9/50

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

Mbappé and the hunt for the record

While Lionel Messi is still ahead of Kylian Mbappé in the all-time World Cup top scorers list, there’s very little between them. The brilliant Argentine has scored 18 times in the world’s biggest competition, while the Frenchman is currently on 16. Without getting ahead of ourselves, it’s easy to imagine Mbappé has one or two more World Cups left, and that he’ll go after this record, whether in this edition or the next.

In any case, the Madrid star is in great form. He has scored four of his team’s six goals. He’s at the heart of the action. Lethal, he gives his opponents few chances, well supplied by his teammates, especially Olise, with whom he has developed a strong understanding.

For this match, we’re backing Mbappé to be decisive again. That could be with a goal or an assist. It doesn’t matter which, as long as Mbappé is involved in the penultimate or final action, your bet will be a winner. Given his current form, this seems a logical choice.

Tip: Kylian Mbappé to be decisive in this match @ 47/100

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

Norway v France odds

•    Norway - 39/10 with Bet365

•    Draw - 63/20 with Bet365

•    France - 13/20 with Bet365

Odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.