Paraguay vs France Predictions

• France have won their last three games by three-goal margins
• Paraguay faced 21 shots against Germany
• France have conceded just two World Cup goals

Les Bleus can end Paraguay fairytale

Paraguay produced a monumental upset in the last 32 as they dumped Germany out on penalties but their World Cup run seems set to end in the last 16 when they face favourites France.

Les Bleus suffered final heartache in Qatar four years ago and appear determined to secure redemption by lifting the trophy this year.

France have won all four of their games by more than one goal and they could have beaten Sweden by a much bigger margin than their 3-0 win in the previous round, which suggests this fairly one-dimensional Paraguay outfit could be in for a long night.

Handicaps the obvious starting point

Paraguay were exceptional in the last round but to a degree Germany were also the architects of their own downfall. The Germans dominated throughout but they struggled to break down a resolute Los Guaraníes defence, and when they did get through their final pass or finishing let them down

France are clearly a level or two above Die Mannschaft at present and with their frightening front four they should be able to create opportunities, and if they can force a breakthrough in the first half they could put together a big win.

Paraguay took a lead against Germany and then defended in numbers until the penalties. No team at the World Cup looks capable of keeping this France team quiet for 90 minutes and backing Didier Deschamps’ men to cover a -2 handicap looks a solid bet.

France have scored at least three goals in all four of their games so far, hitting 13 goals in total. Paraguay’s defence has been their strength but after conceding an early goal against the USA they were the thrashed 4-1, so if the French are able to force an early opening they have all the tools to go on and win by a huge margin.

Five star France can set new record

France have raised their levels with each passing game and they may be able to record their biggest ever World Cup win this weekend.

Les Bleus’ best ever win came back in 1958 as they claimed a 7-3 success, coincidentally against their opponents on Saturday. France may not reach seven against the South Americans but a 5-0 win has a chance as they probably should have scored more than the three they did manage against Sweden and they have two clean sheets in their four games so far.

Kylian Mbappe is the standout scorer pick as he has six goals on the board already but we should see multiple Frenchmen on the scoresheet and Michael Olise looks the best option in terms of value. Olise hasn’t scored yet but he has had 14 attempts and has been denied by the woodwork on a couple of occasions, this game looks a great opportunity for the Bayern Munich man to open his World Cup account.