The third France-Côte d’Ivoire in history will offer an unprecedented attacking duo. Christopher Nkunku will honor in Marseille (Bouches-du-Rhône) this Friday evening his first selection, when Olivier Giroud, called to replace injured Karim Benzema, will add an 111th to his CV.
Victim Thursday of an ENT infection, Kylian Mbappé feels better, but he will take his place on the bench at kick-off. He could, however, make his appearance during the match. The rest is classic. The Blues will articulate in a 3-5-2 proven with success this fall.
The composition of the Blues against Ivory Coast
Lloris (cap.) – Koundé, Varane, L. Hernandez – Coman, Tchouaméni, Pogba, T. Hernandez – Griezmann, Giroud, Nkunku
In front of Hugo Lloris, the captain, Raphaël Varane will be surrounded by Lucas Hernandez and Jules Koundé. In midfield, in the absence of N’Golo Kanté, authorized on Tuesday to temporarily leave the rally, the Monegasque Aurélien Tchouaméni will form the pair of collectors with Paul Pogba. The corridors will be devoted to Théo Hernandez and Kingsley Coman. At Bayern Munich, it also happens to the latter to be used happily in this role of piston.
As for Antoine Griezmann, he returns to the stage of his past exploits and will be responsible for supplying Nkunku and Giroud with good balls. If the former Parisian has never played at the Orange Vélodrome, he was notably on the PSG bench during a memorable success in the winter of 2017 (5-1). Second best director in the history of the Blues, the second scored a goal in this enclosure. It was in the jersey of Montpellier, in April 2012, a few weeks before the title of champion of France conquered hard by the Hérault club.
Tuesday (9:15 p.m.), the Blues will be opposed to South Africa, in Lille (North).