France predicted XI v Argentina: Michael Olise and Jean-Philippe Mateta set to start

France take on Argentina for a rematch of the 2022 World Cup final in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games men’s football tournament. The game will be held at Bordeaux this Friday at 9pm CET. So far, Thierry Henry’s France Olympic team has cruised through the tournament although they have barely impressed against the United States (3-0), Guinea (1-0) and New Zealand (3-0). France topped their Group A to set up a spicy quarter-final tie against Argentina, who finished second in Group B.

With four world champions in their ranks – Geronimo Rulli, Thiago Almada, Nicolas Otamendi and Julian Alvarez – Argentina will be a formidable opponent for France. The recent controversy surrounding the senior Albiceleste squad’s racist chants mocking the origins of France players will surely ramp up the atmosphere in Bordeaux. After resting most of his starting players against New Zealand, Henry is expected to revert to a more standard team with the two overage players – Alexandre Lacazette and Jean-Philippe Mateta – to start up front. Mateta’s former Crystal Palace teammate Michael Olise is also set to feature.

France likely lineup v Argentina

Guillaume Restes; Kiliann Sildillia, Loïc Badé, Castello Lukeba, Adrien Truffert; Enzo Millot, Manu Koné, Joris Chotard; Michael Olise; Jean-Philippe Mateta, Alexandre Lacazette. (L’Éq)

GFFN | Bastien Cheval