Expert Picks

Forget about France's goals accumulation -- a half-dozen in two matches. Already assured of a Round of 16 berth and with a Group D title nearly locked up, the French likely will rest some starters. A draw clinches the group and, with Tunisia goal-less in two outings, the chance of anything worse appears remote. A plausible scenario has France going ahead 1-0, then clearing as much of the bench as the rules allow.

France have already qualified for the knockout stage after winning their first two matches. Only a point is needed for Les Bleus to advance as group winners, but I expect Didier Deschamps’ men will want to maintain their confidence. Tunisia needs a win to reach the next round, so they’ll be throwing numbers forward, which doesn’t bode well with Kylian Mbappe’s pace and finishing ability. Mbappe has recorded 3 goals and 1 assist in Qatar, and the French have scored 6 goals in two games, the second-most of any team. Tunisia have failed to score in their first two matches, one of the main reasons I like France -1.5 (+145).