The international football scene is always filled with anticipation, especially when powerhouses like France meet teams with rising potential, such as Luxembourg. For the upcoming match between France and Luxembourg in the 2024 European qualifiers, fans are eagerly awaiting to see how both teams line up on the pitch. This article provides a comprehensive look at the expected starting lineups, key players, and tactical formations for both teams, based on the latest available data.

France’s Stellar Squad Under Didier Deschamps

France, as one of the top teams in European football, consistently boasts a squad filled with world-class talent across all positions. Managed by Didier Deschamps, who led France to World Cup glory in 2018 and a runner-up finish in 2022, the team remains a formidable force in European football.

Goalkeepers

France’s goalkeeping department is well-rounded, with the likes of Mike Maignan of AC Milan, Alphonse Areola from West Ham United, and Brice Samba (Lyon) as key figures. Maignan is expected to be the starting goalkeeper given his recent performances for Milan and his experience at the international level​.

Defenders

The French defense is arguably one of the strongest in the world, with several options at Deschamps’ disposal. Dayot Upamecano, Jules Koundé, and Ibrahima Konaté are expected to form the core of the defense, bringing strength, pace, and composure. On the flanks, Benjamin Pavard and Theo Hernández are likely to start, offering both defensive solidity and attacking support​.

Midfielders

In the midfield, the star-studded duo of Antoine Griezmann and Aurélien Tchouaméni will play crucial roles. Griezmann, who has evolved into a deep-lying playmaker for France, will partner with the dynamic Eduardo Camavinga, who brings energy and versatility to the midfield. Adrien Rabiot and N’Golo Kanté, if fit, provide additional options​.

Forwards

Up front, Kylian Mbappé is the key figure, and his blistering pace and finishing make him a constant threat. The likes of Olivier Giroud, the experienced striker, and Ousmane Dembélé on the wing will offer a variety of attacking options. Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani provide additional attacking depth​.

Luxembourg’s Steady Progression

Luxembourg, under the management of Luc Holtz, has made significant strides in recent years, with a focus on youth development and tactical discipline. While they do not have the star power of teams like France, Luxembourg has managed to hold their own against larger teams, thanks to solid organization and team spirit.

Goalkeepers

The Luxembourg goalkeeper lineup is anchored by Anthony Moris, who plays for FC Metz. Moris is a reliable shot-stopper with a wealth of experience, particularly in Ligue 1. He will likely start in goal, with Ralph Schon and Lucas Fox providing backup​.

Defenders

Defensively, Luxembourg will rely on the experienced Maxime Chanot (New York City FC) and the younger Enes Mahmutovic. Their partnership at the heart of the defense will be key to containing France’s explosive attackers. Full-backs like Dirk Carlson and Laurent Jans are also expected to play key roles, with Jans being one of the more experienced members of the Luxembourg squad​.

Midfielders

Luxembourg’s midfield is solid, with key players such as Chris Philipps (Sivasspor), Christopher Martins, and Danel Sinani contributing both defensively and in attack. Mathias Olesen, a young and dynamic player, could also feature as a central or defensive midfielder​.

Forwards

In the forward department, Gerson Rodrigues remains the standout player, known for his speed and ability to break down opposition defenses. Alongside him, Jayson Videira and Alessio Curci will provide support in attack​.

Tactical Breakdown

France: A Dominant and Fluid Formation

France is likely to set up in a 4-3-3 formation, with a solid defense, a midfield capable of controlling the game, and an attack focused on pace and width. With the likes of Mbappé and Dembélé on the wings, the French attack will stretch Luxembourg’s defense, allowing for overloads in wide areas. Griezmann’s ability to drop deep and orchestrate play will be crucial in breaking down Luxembourg’s compact midfield and defense​.

Luxembourg: A Compact 4-4-2 Setup

Luxembourg, on the other hand, will likely opt for a more defensive approach, lining up in a 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 formation, depending on the situation. Their key aim will be to maintain a compact shape, denying France the space to operate in the final third. The defensive midfielders, such as Philipps and Martins, will be tasked with disrupting France’s rhythm, while the forwards will look to exploit any counter-attacking opportunities​.

Key Players to Watch

France

Kylian Mbappé will be the player to watch for France. His blistering pace and ability to score from almost any position on the field make him a constant threat. Antoine Griezmann also remains vital, not just for his creativity but for his leadership and ability to dictate the tempo of the game​.

Luxembourg

For Luxembourg, Gerson Rodrigues will be key in attack, looking to exploit the wide areas and create chances. Maxime Chanot will have a major role in defense, aiming to contain the attacking threats posed by the French forwards​.

FAQs 

What tactical formation will France vs Luxembourg?

France is expected to set up in a 4-3-3 formation, which has become their signature in recent years. This setup allows them to dominate possession and provide width through the pace of Mbappé and Dembélé. Griezmann’s role will be pivotal as a playmaker who can drop deep to support the midfield and orchestrate attacks. France will use their attacking prowess to stretch Luxembourg’s defense and look for opportunities to exploit the space created on the flanks​.

What formation will Luxembourg use to face France?

Luxembourg is likely to adopt a more defensive and structured approach, using a 4-4-2 formation. Their defensive setup will focus on containing France’s potent attacking threats while maintaining a solid shape in the midfield. The central midfield pairing of Philipps and Martins will need to be disciplined, cutting off passes to France’s attacking players. Luxembourg will likely rely on counter-attacking opportunities, using the speed of Rodrigues and Videira to catch France off guard​.

Which players are expected to start for France?

Key players for France in this match include Kylian Mbappé, who remains one of the best forwards in the world, and Antoine Griezmann, whose vision and ability to dictate play will be essential. Olivier Giroud will lead the line as the experienced striker, while Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga provide energy and control in midfield​.

Which players are key for Luxembourg in this match?

Luxembourg’s standout player is Gerson Rodrigues, who will likely be their main attacking threat. His speed and ability to create chances on the counter will be crucial. Maxime Chanot, the experienced center-back, will play a vital role in containing France’s forwards, particularly Mbappé and Giroud. Chris Philipps and Christopher Martins will be important in breaking up France’s play and providing balance in midfield​.

How will France approach this match against Luxembourg?

France will approach this match with confidence, given their superior quality on paper. They will dominate possession and look to control the game from the start. Deschamps will likely encourage his players to stretch Luxembourg’s defense, using wide areas to exploit gaps. The fluid attacking play, with quick transitions and overlapping runs, will aim to overwhelm Luxembourg’s defense​.

In Summary

The upcoming France vs Luxembourg match promises to be an intriguing encounter, with France bringing their firepower and attacking depth to the pitch against Luxembourg’s disciplined, counter-attacking style. While France will look to dominate possession and break down Luxembourg’s defensive setup, Luxembourg will rely on resilience and opportunistic attacking moves to make the most of any chances they get. With star players like Mbappé and Griezmann for France, and the ever-reliable Chanot and Rodrigues for Luxembourg, fans can expect a thrilling match full of tactical intrigue and individual brilliance.

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