France have been dealt a late injury blow ahead of their FIFA World Cup last-16 tie against Paraguay at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field. Kick-off is scheduled for 11pm CET (1am East Africa Time).
Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni misses the fixture after reporting thigh discomfort. The 26-year-old started France’s group-stage victories over Senegal, Norway and Sweden, but was rested for the final match against Iraq when AS Roma’s Manu Koné stepped in.
France forced into midfield reshuffle
Didier Deschamps is expected to retain the side that dismantled Sweden 3-0 in their final group game, with Koné slotting in to anchor the midfield alongside Juventus’s Adrien Rabiot.
Captain Kylian Mbappé will lead the attack, supported by Michael Olise in the number 10 role. The Bayern Munich playmaker has been instrumental in France’s free-scoring campaign, which saw them net ten goals across four group matches.
France predicted XI: Mike Maignan; Lucas Digne, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Jules Koundé; Adrien Rabiot, Manu Koné; Bradley Barcola, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé; Kylian Mbappé.
Paraguay aim to repeat German triumph
Paraguay arrive in Pennsylvania buoyant after eliminating Germany on penalties in the previous round. The Albirroja are appearing in their first World Cup knockout tie since 2010, and their first meeting with France at this tournament since the 1998 last 16, when Laurent Blanc’s golden goal in extra time settled a tight contest.
Manager Gustavo Alfaro is expected to stick with the pragmatic 4-4-2 system that frustrated Germany. Strasbourg forward Julio Enciso, who headed the opener in that shock victory, is set to partner Independiente striker Gabriel Avalos up front. Former Newcastle United winger Miguel Almiron should operate on the right flank.
Paraguay predicted XI: Daniel Gill; Junior Alonso, José Canale, Gustavo Gomez, Juan José Caceres; Matias Galarza, Andres Cubas, Diego Gomez, Miguel Almiron; Gabriel Avalos, Julio Enciso.
Tournament context
France entered the tournament as favourites and swept through Group B with maximum points. Paraguay, meanwhile, snatched second place in Group F behind Sweden and required a penalty shootout to overcome Germany in the round of 32.
The winner will advance to a quarter-final against either Norway or Iraq.