Match preview as Germany hosts France in glamour friendly

Didier Deschamps will be hoping his side can maintain their impressive run of form when they travel to Germany to face the world champions.

An impressive 2-0 victory over a dogged Wales side showcased their incisive attack with the Welsh manager Chris Coleman praising the French team, labeling them as the best team they have faced under his management.

Les Bleus have been blessed with starlets coming through the ranks. The likes of Kylian Mbappe, Kingsley Coman, Thomas Lemar are all raring to go on the grand stage. With the World Cup on the horizon, Deschamps and his men would like to maintain the momentum.

Ahead of the tie, Bayern Munich and German defender Hummels has been singing praises about the depth of their opponents.

“They have an incredible breadth of young players, I've never seen anything like that at this level. We have that too, but in terms of standing, the young players, they are one step further," Hummels told Bild am Sonntag.

Reigning world champions Germany, who topped their World Cup qualification group with 10 wins in as many matches, are strong favorites to defend the title next year in Russia.

Facing France will be more than just a friendly game for the Germans. Last time these sides met, it was Germany who was on the receiving end as they were knocked out by the French at the semifinal stage of Euro 2016.

It would be some form of payback if Germany can get the victory. Mario Götze has returned to the national fold and was an unused substitute against England. He is set to make his first appearance for Die Mannschaft since he last featured in November 2016.

Leroy Sané is in form and could be a major threat going forward. The Manchester City winger was the most impressive player on the pitch for Germany at Wembley and would be hoping to deliver a similar performance.

Team News

Didier Deschamps has a 24-man squad to choose from with captain Hugo Lloris omitted due to a thigh injury. Steve Mandanda will be the likely candidate to protect the goal in his absence.

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has withdrawn from the squad with a right thigh strain he sustained during the 2-0 win over Wales and has already returned to England.

Jerome Boateng was ruled out of the match against England with an unspecified muscular problem and has returned home for treatment. Toni Kroos was another absentee against England with a stomach virus but is expected to be fit while Timo Werner received a few knocks and his fitness will be assessed before the match.

Probable Lineups

Germany

Goalkeeper: Ter-Stegen

Defenders: Ginter, Hummels, Rudiger

Midfielders: Kimmich, Khedira, Ozil, Gotze, Brandt

Attackers: Draxler, Wagner

France

Goalkeeper: Mandanda

Defenders: Koscielny, Umtiti, Parvard, Kurzawa

Midfielders: Matiudi, Nzonzi, Coman

Forwards: Lacazette, Griezmann, Mbappe

Prediction

This looks a very even contest to me with both teams in fine form. Lloris will be a key absentee for the French team.

Steven Mandanda did not have much to do against Wales but it will be a whole different test against Germany. He is an experienced goalie and is expected to keep it tight at the back.

Both sides are blessed with talent, experience, and depth and so it is expected to be a tight affair with not a lot of goals expected.