France v Wales betting tips: Nice test for Bale and co
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France begin their preparations for a tilt at a third European Championship title with a friendly against Wales in Nice.
Les Bleus are the 9/2 joint-favourites with England to win the tournament as they aim to go one step further than in 2016 on home soil.
Wales enjoyed their first major tournament since the 1958 World Cup when reaching the last four under Chris Coleman five years ago and will hope for another happy outing in France.
The match will give Rob Page’s men a good idea of where they are at ahead of the games aganst Italy, Turkey and Switzerland so let’s examine some of the markets in our France v Wales betting tips.
Match Odds
Didier Deschamps’ side fell to an extra-time final defeat at the hands of Portugal but they avenged that loss somewhat with a 2018 World Cup triumph.
France, who are 1/4to win in Nice, are in good shape ahead of the tournament with eight victories in their last 11 matches durung which they scored 23 goals.
Les Bleus are 4/9 to score at least twice which they did in half of those wins, while both teams have scored in five of their last 11 fixtures – priced at 7/5.
— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) May 30, 2021
Wales have only tasted defeat once under caretaker boss Page in his six games in charge and have also been resilient with three 1-0 triumphs in his short tenure, which is valued at 25/1.
The Dragons are 12/1 to leave France with victory as they prepare for Euro 2020, while both teams have not scored in seven of Wales’ last 10 fixtures and that is priced at 1/2 to happen once again.
Three of France’s last five games have been won with three or fewer match goals and without conceding, and theose markets are available at 17/20 and 3/4 respectively.
Talking Tactics
Deschamps has been experimental with his shape since the World Cup success but has mainly deployed a 4-2-3-1 with Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante both in the number six role.
With Antonie Griezmann playing as a second striker and Kylian Mbappe on the left, Deschamps has a pretty settled line-up but will he throw Karim Benzema straight back in after a six-year international exile or keep faith with Olivier Giroud?
Wales have played a 3-4-3 formation in all four of Page’s competitive matches in charge, with Chris Mepham, Joe Rodon and Ben Davies in defence.
With Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen in central midfield, they can create opportunities for Gareth Bale on the right of a front three as he aims to add to his 33 goals for his country.
Goalscorer Odds
This will be just the sixth meeting between the two sides and first since November 2017 where two familiar names were on the scoresheet.
Griezmann opened the scoring in the 18th minute at the Stade de France and the Barcelona forward is 7/2 to do that again or 5/4 to find the net at any time.
Giroud wrapped up the 2-0 friendly victory in the 71st minute and the Chelsea striker, who is out of contract this summer, is the same odds as Griezmann in the above markets.
Wales have attacking threats of their own with Bale coming into the match on the back of a brace on the final day of the Premier League season for Tottenham and he is 28/1 to register a brace or better against Les Bleus.
The on-loan Real Madrid forward is 17/2 to open the scoring and 3/1 to breach the defence at some point in the match, while Juventus midfielder Ramsey is 25/1 and 9/1 in the first goalscorer and anytime goalscorer markets respectively.
Match Info
Where: Allianz Riviera, Nice
When: 20:05, Wednesday, June 2nd
How to watch: Sky Sports
All odds and markets correct as of date of publication
