France U23 vs Guinea U23 Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews in the Olympics. After an opening victory, hosts France aim to secure a quarter-final spot against Guinea at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Saturday. Read on for our free predictions and tips.
Olympic Games Men’s Football | Group Stage | Jul 27, 2024 at 8pm UK at Allianz Riviera
France U23 vs Guinea U23 Predictions
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Can France Secure Their Quarter-Final Spot Against Guinea?
Key Stats
France scored 1.8 goals per game on average last season, highlighting their attacking prowess.
Guinea have conceded 61 goals in the last season, indicating defensive vulnerabilities.
Michael Olise netted 19 goals in the previous campaign, underlining his importance in France’s attack.
After a commanding 3-0 victory over the USA, France are set to face Guinea at the Allianz Riviera on Saturday, aiming to secure a place in the quarter-finals of the Paris 2024 Olympics. The hosts are coming off a strong performance, while Guinea, debuting in the tournament, are reeling from a narrow defeat against New Zealand.
Match Preview
Despite their 3-0 win over the USA, France’s performance was not as comfortable as the scoreline suggests. Goals from Alexandre Lacazette, Michael Olise, and Loic Bade in the second half masked some nervy moments earlier in the match. Coach Thierry Henry will be keen to see a more dominant display throughout the 90 minutes as his side seeks to book their spot in the knockout stages with a game to spare.
The French squad, aiming to go further than their group-stage exit in Tokyo 2020, are favourites to progress from Group A. The 1984 Olympic champions have not reached the knockout stage since 1996, but with a mix of young talent and experienced overage players, they look set to end that drought.
In contrast, Guinea are making their Olympic debut and had a tough start, losing 2-1 to New Zealand. Amadou Diawara’s equaliser gave them hope, but they quickly fell behind again. Manager Kaba Diawara will be looking for his team to build on the positives from their first match, but facing the hosts will be a much sterner test.
Team News
Michael Olise's stunning goal in the opener highlighted why Bayern Munich were keen to sign him this summer. His creativity and ability to unlock defences make him a key player for France. Alongside him, overage players Alexandre Lacazette and Loic Bade bring vital experience and quality, as demonstrated against the USA.
For Guinea, Naby Keita returned to action against New Zealand after a long absence and will be pivotal in midfield. Goalkeeper Soumaila Sylla, who had a challenging debut, will need to be at his best to keep France at bay.
France's possible starting lineup: Restes; Sildillia, Bade, Lukeba, Truffert; Millot, Kone, Chotard; Olise; Mateta, Lacazette
Guinea's possible starting lineup: Sylla; Balde, Cisse, Soumah, M. Keita, Diallo; N. Keita, Toure, Diawara, Moriba; Bah
Expected Goals Analysis
France's expected goals (xG) metric from their opening match was impressive, reflecting their attacking prowess. They managed to create numerous high-quality chances, leading to a solid xG figure. In contrast, Guinea's xG was lower, indicating fewer scoring opportunities against New Zealand. France's robust defence also kept the USA at bay, highlighting their balanced approach.
Key Areas and Player Duels
The midfield battle will be crucial, with France's Michael Olise likely to face off against Guinea's Naby Keita. Olise's creativity and dribbling will test Keita's defensive capabilities. Additionally, the duel between Alexandre Lacazette and Guinea's defence, particularly Cisse, will be significant. Lacazette's experience and finishing ability will pose a constant threat.
Gameplay and Strategies
France are expected to dominate possession, utilising their superior passing and movement to break down Guinea's defence. Their strategy will likely involve quick, incisive passes and exploiting the wings where Olise can create opportunities. Guinea, on the other hand, might adopt a more defensive approach, aiming to counter-attack using their speed and physicality.
Tactical Strengths and Weaknesses
France:
- Strengths: Strong attacking unit, high possession play, and efficient use of set-pieces.
- Weaknesses: Occasional defensive lapses, particularly against swift counter-attacks.
Guinea:
- Strengths: Effective in set-pieces, quick counter-attacks, and resilient midfield.
- Weaknesses: Inconsistent defence, especially on the road, and reliance on fewer attacking options.
Managerial Analysis and Criticism
Thierry Henry has brought a new sense of purpose to France, but his tactical decisions have sometimes been conservative, which could be risky against lower-tier teams. His ability to adapt mid-game will be crucial. On the other hand, Kaba Diawara’s management of Guinea has been underwhelming, with his inability to shore up their defensive issues being a significant concern.
Betting Angles and Predictions
Considering current form and statistical trends, here are the betting angles for this fixture:
Best Bet: France -2 to Win France's superior form and Guinea’s defensive vulnerabilities suggest a dominant performance from the hosts. With France's strong attacking play, a win by at least two goals seems highly probable.
Correct Score Prediction: France 3-0 Guinea Reflecting the best bet, a 3-0 scoreline accounts for France's offensive capabilities and defensive solidity against a weaker Guinea side.
Goalscorer Prediction: Michael Olise Michael Olise’s impressive goal tally last season and his pivotal role in the attack make him a strong candidate to score. His form suggests he will be a constant threat to Guinea’s defence.
Which Team Will Score First: France Given France's tendency to start strong and Guinea's struggles away from home, it is likely that France will score first. Their attacking prowess should see them ahead by the break.
Innovative Market: Total Team Shots on Target - France Over 6.5 With an average of 5.2 shots on target per game, France's attacking emphasis and the need to start the season strongly suggest they will exceed this number. Given Guinea’s defensive frailties, over 6.5 shots on target is a reasonable expectation.
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