France will bank on their formidable attacking trio when they face Sweden in the World Cup Round of 32 on Tuesday, although coach Didier Deschamps is expected to make changes on the left side of his team.
Les Bleus topped Group I with a perfect record, scoring 10 goals in victories over Senegal, Iraq and Norway. Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise have emerged as one of the tournament's most dangerous attacking combinations.
Despite their flawless start, France's left flank has looked less convincing. Lucas Digne is expected to replace Theo Hernandez at left-back to provide greater defensive stability and improved delivery from wide areas.
Bradley Barcola is also tipped to start ahead of Desire Doue on the left wing, offering more pace, direct running and natural width as Deschamps looks to strengthen that side of the pitch.
William Saliba is set to return in central defence, boosting a backline that has occasionally looked vulnerable despite France's dominant displays.
France's attacking depth remains unmatched. Alongside Mbappe, Dembele and Olise, Deschamps can also call on Barcola, Doue, Rayan Cherki, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Marcus Thuram from the bench.
Sweden enter the knockout stage as disciplined opponents rather than title contenders. They finished second in Group F after defeating Tunisia 5-1, suffering a 5-1 loss to the Netherlands and drawing 1-1 with Japan.
While Sweden are expected to defend deep and rely on set-pieces and counterattacks, France remain overwhelming favourites.
Former England striker Gary Lineker believes Sweden lack the firepower to trouble Les Bleus.
"I don't buy it. Sweden have Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres and Anthony Elanga. They are not a bad side, but they are nowhere near France's firepower," he told French daily L'Equipe.
He admitted France could be exposed on the counterattack but backed Deschamps' side to outscore any opponent.
Victory would send France into the Round of 16, where they will face either Germany or Paraguay.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
