Germany will be looking to return to form on Tuesday as they take on world champions France in the Uefa Nations League.
In the previous Nations League match between these two sides, Germany managed to hold France to a goalless draw but followed that up with a 3-0 humiliation at the hands of the Netherlands last time out – whom Les Bleus beat.
Read on for France v Germany live stream options, team news, predicted XIs, stats and TV channel info.
When is France vs Germany?
Competition: Uefa Nations League
Venue: Stade de France
Date: Tuesday, 16 October
Kick-off: 7:45 PM BST
Match preview
When these two sides last met, it was set to be a fiery encounter between the past two winners of the World Cup – one of which had just endured a terrible tournament in Russia with the future in doubt.
But the goalless draw told us more about Germany’s failings, with Die Mannschaft still yet to truly recover from finishing bottom of their World Cup group – losing 3-0 to the Netherlands last time out.
Germany manager Joachim Low is still comfortable in his role at the helm but the defeat to the Netherlands showed real holes that look some way off being filled.
Despite their World Cup triumph, France have also been slightly under par since, winning just one of their three matches post-Russia – a 2-1 win over the Netherlands in the Uefa Nations League.
Last time out, Les Bleus had to come from behind to draw 2-2 with Iceland, thanks to a late own goal and injury-time penalty from Kylian Mbappe.
While the first Nations League match between the sides may have underwhelmed, Tuesday’s meeting looks set to bring the heat with Germany seriously fighting for pride.
Where can I watch live?
France vs Germany can be viewed by UK residents on Sky Sports Mix HD – channel 121 on Sky and channel 510, or 520 for SD, for Virgin Media users.
The game is also available to watch on fuboTV.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about fuboTV
What is going on with Germany?
The World Cup was undeniably a disaster for Germany, with the then-defending world champions bowing out at the group stages. And it appears, with Joachim Low still in charge, Die Mannschaft are yet to work out what is wrong.
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Having showed signs of weakness against France and Peru in the first international break, Die Mannschaft hit new lows as they were pulled apart by the Netherlands who looked to have paid close attention to their opponents and which points to exploit.
Could Germany be relegated if they lose?
Fortunately, for Germany, a defeat against France on Tuesday would not immediately relegate the former world champions.
The point against Les Bleus last time out would keep them up for the time being, still being just two points behind the Netherlands – who would have two games left to play.
But, a defeat would spell danger with Germany having just one game left to play in the group – against the Netherlands.
What happened to France against Iceland?
On the face of it, France’s 2-2 draw against Iceland looked like a shock averted for the reigning world champions.
Going into the match, Iceland had not won in their previous nine matches and were beaten 5-2 by France when the sides last met in Euro 2016. But the visitors had initially made the most of their chances while Les Bleus were punished for a lack of conviction in front of goal – coupled with resting a few bigger players.
But then, up stepped Kylian Mbappe to turn the show around, capping it off with a late equaliser.
Head-to-head
In a run including World Cup glory, France have had an exceptional year losing just one of their 15 matches so far. Meanwhile, Germany have managed only three wins in their 10 games in 2018, losing five and drawing the other two.
Tuesday’s meeting will be the 31st time France and Germany have faced off against each other with the current world champions slightly edging the record with 13 wins.
Die Mannschaft have won 10 with seven draws, including last time these two met in September.
France wins: 13 Draws: 7 Germany wins: 10
Team news
France rested a host of players in their 2-2 draw against Iceland last time out, with the likes of Kylian Mbappe and N’Golo Kante starting from the bench. But given the competitive nature of Tuesday’s game the pair are likely to return to the starting XI with Kurt Zouma, Mamadou Sakho and Presnel Kimpembe fighting it out to partner Raphael Varane in defence.
Meanwhile, Germany will once again be without Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger, who pulled out of the squad with a groin injury, with Ilkay Gundogan, Marco Reus and teenage sensation Kai Havertz also missing. But Joachim Low may look to ring the changes from the defeat to the Netherlands in hope to inspire something positive.
Predicted France XI: Lloris; Pavard, Varane, Kimpembe, Hernandez; Kante, Pogba, Matuidi; Mbappe, Giroud, Griezmann.
Predicted Germany XI: Ter Stegen; Hector, Boateng, Hummels, Ginter; Kimmich; Kroos, Goretzka; Sane, Werner, Muller.
Predictions & Betting Tips
Register with William Hill HERE & bet £10, get £30 in free bets. Terms & Conditions apply. 18+ only. BeGambleAware.
1. France to win to nil @ 9/5
Last time these two faced off, a goalless draw was the result, and given the past form of France and Germany, the latter could fail to score once more.
Germany’s 3-0 defeat against the Netherlands brought the third consecutive game in a row in which Die Mannschaft have failed to score – the first time that has ever happened.
In contrast, France have a good record this calendar year, winning 10 of their 15 games so far which did include the World Cup.
Key Stat: France are unbeaten in their past 14 games in 2018.
Tip: France to win to nil @ 9/5 with William Hill – bet here
Odds correct at time of publishing (15/10/2018, 17:00)
18+ only. Ts&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org
2. Kylian Mbappe to score anytime @ 4/1
Kylian Mbappe is a ridiculously good footballer, regardless of his age. Against Iceland, the teenager stepped up to rescue Les Bleus from a shock defeat, in doing so becoming the youngest player in the history of the France senior team to reach 10 goals.
The youngster has also been involved in the the joint-most goals in Europe’s top five leagues, scoring eight and recording three assists for club side Paris Saint-Germain, despite playing just 405 minutes.
Key Stat: Kylian Mbappe has scored 68 goals for club and country in his career so far, with only one coming from the penalty spot.
Tip: Kylian Mbappe to score anytime @ 4/1 with William Hill – bet here
Odds correct at time of publishing (15/10/2018, 17:00)
18+ only. Ts&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org
3. Under 2.5 goals @ 10/11
Germany may have fallen 3-0 to the Netherlands and France involved in a four-goal thriller last time out, but don’t expect too many goals to be scored on Tuesday.
With Germany looking to show more defensively solidity than they did against the Netherlands, Joachim Low’s men will be set up more securely at the back, frustrating France’s forward line.
Though France should ultimately get the win, Les Bleus may need to work for it, beating Germany by a slender margin.
Key Stat: Only one of the past five meetings between France and Germany has seen over 2.5 goals.
Tip: Under 2.5 goals @ 10/11 with William Hill – bet here
Odds correct at time of publishing (15/10/2018, 17:00)
18+ only. Ts&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org
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