France v Sweden Betting Markets
France are one of the shortest-priced teams on the World Cup Round of 32 coupon. Les Bleus are trading at around the 1.27 mark to claim a victory against Sweden, suggesting that they have a roughly 80% chance of securing a normal time win at the MetLife Stadium. Didier Deschamps' side are certainly in the winning habit after three fairly straightforward wins so far.
The 2018 winners looked underwhelming against Senegal in the first half before running out as 3-1 winners, with that being followed by a 3-0 success against Iraq. That was in Philadelphia before a 4-1 success against a Norway side who were completely changed in an act of throwing in the towel.
France are around the 1.11 mark to qualify for the last sixteen stage and it would be a big shock if Sweden were able to lay a glove on them. Graham Potter has restored some pride in the national team and the Scandinavian side got off to a flyer by thrashing Tunisia 5-1. However, they were brought down to earth with a bump after being defeated by the same scoreline against the Netherlands.
The ship was steadied with a 1-1 draw against Japan which ensured their qualification, although a third-placed finish was always going to see them play a group winner. This is going to be a tough ordeal and that explains why Sweden are a rank outsider to get a draw or even a victory.
The French side don't appear to have many weaknesses and their front line is highly dangerous. Ousmane Dembele scored a first-half hat-trick against the Norwegians and Kylian Mbappe is looking to unleash hell in the central attacking position. Michael Olise is the chief playmaker and Sweden could be struggling to keep their opponents at bay.
Goals Under/Over
Over 2.5 Goals is trading at odds of around 1.50. This means there's a 66% implied probability of three or more goals being scored. We've had four, three and five goals scored across France's three group games. Sweden had six goals scored in their first two encounters before playing out a more modest 1-1 draw against Japan.
On the basis of the above, Over 2.5 Goals would seem a straightforward bet. France have scored at least three goals in their games in the United States. Les Bleus may well cover the line again and they could end up winning the World Cup by outscoring each opponent.
There's also the possibility that Sweden can bag a consolation. It's hard to believe that they'll set up too defensively and invite pressure from the French. You could push the envelope and go for Over 3.5 Goals which is available at odds-on.
BTTS
Although the Over 2.5 Goals price is trading at 1.50, the BTTS Yes odds can be backed at around the even money mark. That's mainly because France are expected to dominate a one-sided affair at the MetLife Stadium. Les Bleus will surely have a lot of the ball and it would be a big surprise if Deschamps' side weren't able to find the net.
So this bet really comes down to whether Sweden can score. Perhaps a consolation effort is on the cards. This is for a couple of reasons. Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak are sharp shooters who shouldn't need too many chances to score. They are flanked by Anthony Elanga who has found the net twice during this World Cup.
We've also seen the Scandinavian side find the net in each of their matches so far. They flexed their attacking muscles to score five times against Tunisia before notching once against the Netherlands. Then came a 1-1 draw against Japan. There could be some merit in going for the combination of a France win along with both teams to find the net.
First Goalscorer
Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele filled their boots during the group stage for France. Out of the ten goals scored by Les Bleus, eight were rifled home by the above pair. It's the latter who is in hot form after racking up a first-half hat-trick against Norway. The Paris Saint-Germain man doesn't boast a particularly proud international record but can cause havoc playing off the right.
As for Mbappe, his numbers speak for themselves. The Real Madrid star bagged a brace against Senegal and Iraq, while we know that the 2022 Golden Boot winner will be on spot kicks. It's hard to see how Sweden are going to contain a player who has astonishing pace and perhaps he should be included in a Bet Builder.
Desire Doue is likely to operate in the left-sided position and could also offer an attacking threat, while we may see Michael Olise on the scoresheet too. The Bayern Munich man can come through with some firepower from the central attacking midfield position, with Sweden also boasting a couple of lively forwards.
If Sweden are to cause a shock, they will need Gyokeres and Isak to finish their chances. The Arsenal man has helped the Gunners win a Premier League title, with Isak having suffered an injury-hit season but the former Newcastle man can find the net.