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The 2020-21 edition of the UEFA Nations League returns to the fold this weekend as France take on Portugal in a high-octane fixture at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis. Both European giants have maintained a perfect record so far in the UEFA Nations League and will want to win this fixture.
France have won both their opening fixtures against Croatia and Sweden and are behind Portugal only on goal difference. The reigning World Champions thrashed Ukraine by a 7-1 margin earlier this week and will be filled to the brim with confidence going into this game.
Portugal are currently on top of Group 3 in League A of the European competition and have one of the most lethal attacking forces on the continent. Fernando Santos oversaw a 0-0 stalemate against Spain this week and will make a few changes to his starting line-up going into this game.
France vs Portugal Head-to-Head
France and Portugal have faced each other a total of 25 times on the international stage. The French have historically been the dominant side in this fixture, winning 18 games against their opponents. Portugal have managed six victories and will want to make a statement with a victory this weekend.
Portugal famously edged France to a victory in the final of Euro 2016 and won their first major trophy on the international stage. The French will be baying for revenge in this game and are likely to field their best eleven.
France form guide: W-W-W-W-W
Portugal form guide: D-W-W-L-W
Also Read: Spain vs Switzerland prediction, preview, team news and more | UEFA Nations League 2020-21
France vs Portugal Team News
France
France have no major injury concerns going into this game and Didier Deschamps is likely to field his best line-up. Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe are important players for France and will have to be at their best in this game. Clement Lenglet had an excellent game against Ukraine and is likely to start this game.
Injured: None
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Portugal
Fernando Santos has a fully-fit squad ahead of this fixture and will rely on his talismanic forwards to step up to the plate against France. Portugal have a robust team and will want to prove a point in this game.
Injured: None
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
France vs Portugal Predicted XI
France Predicted XI (4-3-1-2): Hugo Lloris; Lucas Digne, Raphael Varane, Clement, Benjamin Pavard; N'Golo Kante, Paul Pogba, Corentin Tolisso; Antoine Griezmann; Kylian Mbappe, Olivier Giroud
Portugal Predicted XI (4-3-3): Rui Patricio; Raphael Guerreiro, Ruben Dias, Pepe, Joao Cancelo; Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho, Bruno Fernandes; Bernardo Silva, Joao Felix, Cristiano Ronaldo
France vs Portugal Prediction
France and Portugal are on a fairly even footing on paper and have players who can turn a match on its head on their day. The two sides have arguably the most lethal attacking forces in Europe and both defences will have to be on alert in this game.
France arguably have a better defensive line and will welcome Varane back into the starting eleven for this fixture. Portugal have the talismanic Cristiano Ronaldo, however, and are well-placed to take something away from this game.
Prediction: France 2-2 Portugal
