France could qualify for the Round of 16 if they beat Denmark in Doha on Saturday.

A win against Denmark would see the World Champions move onto six points from two games, with qualification confirmed regardless of the result between Tunisia and Australia

France head into the game on the back of a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Australia on Tuesday night. Didier Deschamps' side fell behind eight minutes in but fought back to record a comfortable victory.

Denmark head into Saturday's clash needing a win to keep their qualification hopes in their own hands. 

A lacklustre 0-0 draw with Tunisia on Tuesday afternoon has put a spanner in the works for Kasper Hjulmand's side, needing to cause an upset in Doha on Saturday.

Andreas Cornelius missed a golden opportunity to wrap up all three points, arguably leaving the North African side in a stronger position to qualify from Group D. 

France faced Denmark in the group stage at the 2018 World Cup, recording a 0-0 draw at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.  

  • Team news

France

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Left back Lucas Hernandez was forced off injured just 13 minutes into Tuesday's victory over Australia. 

The Bayern man went down uncontested just before Australia broke the deadlock, with it since being confirmed that Hernandez has sustained an ACL injury. He is expected to miss the remainder of the 2022/23 season. 

Olivier Giroud is expected to keep his spot in the France attack. The ex-Arsenal man scored his 51st France goal on Tuesday, going joint-top of France's all-time scoring charts, level with Thierry Henry.

Juventus' Adrien Rabiot was preferred to Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga in midfield. With a goal and an assist to his name, it would be a surprise to see Rabiot rested for Saturday's game. 

Denmark

Denmark also had injury concerns of their own on Tuesday. Sevilla midfielder Thomas Delaney was forced off with a suspected hamstring injury in first half stoppage time. Delaney will miss the rest of the tournament. 

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Delaney was replaced by Brentford's Mikkel Damsgaard in a more offensive change from Hjulmand. Damsgaard's inclusion gives Denmark the option to play either a 3-5-2 or a 3-4-3. 

Both Kasper Dolberg and Andreas Cornelius were given minutes up front on Tuesday, but both players failed to impress. Dolberg is expected to keep his spot in the starting 11. 

Leeds United man Rasmus Kristensen picked up a yellow card against Tunisia. The full back will be hoping to avoid another caution on Saturday to avoid suspension for next week's clash with Australia.  

  • Likely line-ups

France

Lloris; Pavard, Konate, Upamecano, T. Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud (4-2-3-1)

Denmark

Schmeichel; Andersen, Kjaer, Christensen; Kristensen, Hojbjerg, Eriksen, Damsgaard, Maehle; Skov Olsen, Dolberg (3-5-2)

  • Key players

Kylian Mbappe

What can be said about Kylian Mbappe that has not been said before? The PSG man lit up the tournament on his World Cup debut in 2018, becoming the second teenager after Pele to score in a World Cup final.

The now 23-year-old scored in Tuesday's win over Australia, taking his international tally to 29 goals in 60 appearances. 

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Mbappe will be deployed on France's left hand side, having the freedom to run at the aforementioned Kristensen, hoping to avoid a second yellow card.

With the youngster being touted with a potential move to Real Madrid, performances on the world's biggest stage will show those who do not often watch PSG just why he is so highly rated. 

Kasper Schmeichel

Kasper Schmeichel is one of Denmark's most reliable figures. With 87 caps since 2009, Schmeichel has earnt the trust of fans, players and staff within Danish football.

The Nice man was barely tested against Tunisia, only needing to make one save in almost 100 minutes of football. Although nothing is certain in football, he is expected to have a busier afternoon on Saturday.

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The ex-Leicester shot stopper has stepped up when it matters most for his nation, making penalty saves in a World Cup penalty shootout and a European Championships semi-final in recent years.

  • Match details

Where is the game being played?

The game is taking place at the Ras Abu Aboud Stadium in Doha, Qatar.

What time is kick-off?

Kick-off is at 4pm on Saturday 26th November, 2022. 

How can I watch?

The game will be live on ITV1 on Saturday afternoon, as well as being available on ITVX and STV.

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