France need result against Turkey as Mbappe eyes return in Nations League decider

France must avoid defeat against Turkey on Sunday to secure a place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals, with Zinedine Zidane’s side still fighting to finish top of Group A1.

Les Bleus go into the final round of group matches after a 3-1 defeat by Italy. Turkey’s difficult campaign continued in their previous game as they lost 2-1 at home to Belgium.

France have taken 10 points from five matches, recording three wins, one draw and one defeat. They sit second, level on points with Italy, who lead the group because of their superior head-to-head record against France. Belgium are third on nine points, meaning France could still miss out on the quarter-finals.

Zidane’s team will finish top if they beat Turkey and Italy fail to defeat Belgium. They will qualify for the last eight if they avoid defeat, or if Belgium do not beat Italy.

France have won five of their seven meetings with Turkey. Their only defeat came in a European Championship qualifier in June 2019. The most recent meeting ended in a 1-0 France win in late September, with Kylian Mbappe scoring the only goal.

Turkey are already certain to finish fourth and face relegation to League B after losing all five of their Group A1 fixtures. Their run began with the defeat by France and also includes two losses against Italy and two against Belgium.

The Ay-Yıldızlılar have scored only three goals and conceded 13. They have lost seven of their past eight matches in all competitions, although Sergen Yalcın will want his side to finish a difficult campaign with a positive result and potentially influence the final group outcome.

Team news

Mbappe could return for France after missing the defeat by Italy because of a muscle problem. William Saliba, Aurelien Tchouameni and Ousmane Dembele remain notable injury absentees, while Dayot Upamecano has left the squad for personal reasons.

Ibrahima Konate and Eduardo Camavinga, both of Real Madrid, could be brought into the starting XI as Zidane considers changes to the side that began the previous match.

Turkey welcome back Abdulkerim Bardakcı after he completed a suspension against Belgium. Kenan Yıldız is injured, but Arda Guler was his country’s standout performer in that defeat and will again be expected to provide attacking inspiration. Enes Unal, who has scored three times for Turkey, is also expected to feature in the centre.

France’s recent Nations League form is recorded as VVNVD, with their overall form listed as DVVNVD. Turkey’s form is DDDDD in both the Nations League and all competitions.

The listed match predictions include a 3-1 France win at 8.25, Mbappe to score in a France victory at 1.90, and Michael Olise to provide an assist at 2.30.

France’s absences could give Turkey an opportunity to make the match difficult, but Mbappe’s expected return may help Zidane’s side claim the three points they need.