France wary of Sweden's giant-killing threat in World Cup Round of 32
Kylian Mbappé's France arrive with a perfect group-stage record, but Graham Potter's well-drilled Sweden have already exceeded expectations and will look to pull off another upset
France and Sweden meet at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday (30 June) in a FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash, with both sides aiming to secure a place in the last 16.
Les Bleus head into the knockout tie as one of the tournament favourites after emerging as the only team to win all three of their group-stage matches. Sweden, meanwhile, advanced as one of the best third-placed teams after a disciplined and resilient Group H campaign.
Kick-off is scheduled for 3am Bangladesh time on Wednesday (1 July).
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Didier Deschamps is expected to stick with his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, built around rapid transitions and attacking quality.
Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot are likely to anchor the midfield, allowing Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué to operate behind captain Kylian Mbappé.
France's biggest weapon has been its pace and ruthlessness in front of goal, having scored 10 times during the group stage.
However, the attacking emphasis of their full-backs can occasionally leave space on the flanks, an area Sweden will seek to exploit.
Graham Potter is expected to continue with a 3-4-3 system focused on defensive organisation and quick counter-attacks.
Yasin Ayari and Jesper Karlström will be tasked with disrupting France's midfield, while Anthony Elanga, Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres provide pace, movement and a direct attacking threat.
Sweden's tactical flexibility has helped them exceed expectations so far, although defensive injuries and occasional lapses in concentration could prove costly against one of the competition's most potent attacks.
France are expected to welcome William Saliba back after the defender recovered from a back injury, although Marcus Thuram remains sidelined with a calf problem. Deschamps must also decide whether to start Lucas Digne or Theo Hernández at left-back.
Sweden have suffered a major blow with defender Isak Hien ruled out for the rest of the tournament because of a hamstring injury. Goalkeeper Jacob Zetterström is expected to retain his place after impressing against Japan.
Probable XIs
France (4-2-3-1): Mike Maignan; Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Lucas Digne; Aurélien Tchouaméni, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Désiré Doué; Kylian Mbappé (C).
Sweden (3-4-3): Jacob Zetterström; Gustaf Lagerbielke, Victor Lindelöf (C), Gabriel Gudmundsson; Oscar Bernhardsson, Yasin Ayari, Jesper Karlström, Elliot Stroud; Anthony Elanga, Viktor Gyökeres, Alexander Isak.
