Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappé will lead the front line for France as the 2018 FIFA World Cup winners aim to clinch their place at the final tournament in Qatar next year by picking up the win they need against Kazakhstan at the Parc des Princes.
Mbappé will be on familiar territory with the Group D qualifier being played in front of a sell-out crowd at Paris Saint-Germain's home with the fixture having been moved from the Stade de France due to construction work.
Mbappé, who has six goals and as many assists in his 12 Ligue 1 Uber Eats appearances this season, is likely to line up with Karim Benzema and Antoine Griezmann in a potent three-man attack as the reigning world champions look to build on October's UEFA Nations League triumph, a victory that eased the pain of a disappointing UEFA EURO 2020.
"You always smile when you win. We've been honest about what happened between the EURO and the Nations League. There were moments of doubt, but we showed our mental and collective strength," said captain Hugo Lloris, part of the France side beaten dramatically by Switzerland in the EURO Last 16.
"A trophy with the national team is always special. We have to do the job in the best possible way tomorrow. We've had this type of game in the past. We have to get everyone behind us and play with a high tempo."
To help do that, coach Didier Deschamps appears tempted to take the unusual step of employing Bayern Munich and ex-PSG winger Kingsley Coman at right wing-back in his 3-4-1-2 formation.
"It's a valid option, but not only for this game. A lot of national teams play with that system, with options on the flanks that are more or less attacking," said Deschamps, who — with Paul Pogba sidelined by injury — should start another former PSG man, Adrien Rabiot, alongside Ngolo Kanté in central midfield.
"Qualifying for a World Cup is always a long, dangerous road. It's on us, and to qualify before the final match…we won't complain. We can't compare with previous years, but for us it'll be important to achieve one of our 2021 goals. And this one is essential."
France are currently top of Group D, three points clear of Ukraine, who have played a game more. Tonight's victory would put them out of reach of third-placed Finland, who are on eight points with two matches left.
Probable France line-up
Lloris (c); Koundé, Upamecano, L. Hernandez - Pavard (or Coman), Kanté, Rabiot, T. Hernandez - Griezmann - Mbappé, Benzema.
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