Barcelona duo expected to start for France vs Poland in World Cup Round of 16 | OneFootball

The 2022 World Cup is going much quicker than fans would have liked, two of the eight round of 16 matches already concluded. Netherlands and Argentina have already booked a place in the quarter-finals, with the entertainment onus today falling to France vs Poland and England vs Senegal.

While Barcelona have no representation in the latter game, two Blaugrana aces could be in line to start for France in the afternoon — Ousmane Dembele and Jules Kounde.

Dembele has done exceedingly well through the World Cup, creating more than two chances every game. He assisted Kylian Mbappe’s goal against Australia, and will continue to start on the right-wing for France.

Just behind him, we are likely to see Kounde slit in as the right-back. Benjamin Pavard’s performance in the opening game of the tournament left a lot to be desired, and therefore, it was unsurprising when Didier Deschamps shuffled his options vs Denmark.

The Barcelona duo were both rested for France’s final game against Tunisia, with Kingsley Coman taking over the right-wing, while Axel Disasi as the right-back.

Deschamps will undoubtedly field his best lineup today, though, with Mbappe predicted to start as the left-winger, Olivier Giroud as the striker, and Antoine Griezmann behind them as the no. 10.

Adrien Rabiot has a goal and an assist from midfield and should pair up alongside Aurelien Tchouameni in the double pivot. They will be screening a back-four constituting of Dayot Upamecano and Raphael Varane in the heart of the defence.

Theo Hernandez should get the nod at left-back, while Hugo Lloris continues to captain this French side.