France have looked formidable at the World Cup and are likely to swat aside a spirited, but limited, Paraguay team next in the last 16.
France have demonstrated just why they are many people's picks to win the World Cup this summer with four comfortable wins so far and Paraguay are unlikely to offer much resistance in the last 16.
After group wins over Senegal, Norway and Iraq, Les Bleus then dumped out Sweden in the last 32, once again displaying plenty of attacking thrust and midfield control in the 3-0 success.
Paraguay progressed to the knockout stage after recovering from an opening 4-1 defeat against co-hosts USA, posting a narrow 1-0 success over Turkey before a priceless goalless draw with Australia.
The South Americans then stunned Germany, winning 4-3 on penalties in Boston, but even that fantastic result will not garner much hope they will be able to live with 2022 runners-up France next.
Paraguay vs. France betting picks and predictions
France/France - Half-time/Full-time (-163)
France have been outstanding in their games in the tournament so far, overcoming Senegal 3-1, Norway 4-1 and Iraq 3-0 in the group stage, and they then had far too much for the Swedes in the last 32 as well, comfortably coming out on top 3-0.
In three of those four matches, Didier Deschamps' side have been in front at half-time, so there is a pattern of dominance emerging.
Paraguay will attempt to stifle the French forward line but the 2018 winners are simply too good to be kept quiet for long.
Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise will probe, press and pull Paraguay out of shape and it is hard to see them keeping such talented players at bay until half-time.
Sweden are arguably a better side than the South Americans and even they were behind at the break, so we should expect to see France getting themselves in front before the interval and then going on to assume complete control in the second period in Philadelphia.
Adrien Rabiot to score any time (+350)
Adrien Rabiot has scored seven times for France from 62 caps and, while he is not usually among the more likely scorers for Les Bleus, the AC Milan midfielder might just find himself on the scoresheet against Paraguay.
Rabiot caught the eye in a fine all-round display against Sweden in the last-32 victory, when he had two shots, one of which was on target, and he could be the man to unlock the Paraguay defence, who may be stubborn to begin with.
Rabiot had a solid club season with Milan, scoring six times in Serie A, and he has had three shots in the World Cup in three appearances to suggest he is on the lookout for a goal.
Michael Olise 2+ shots on target (+163)
Bayern Munich winger Olise has been one of France's main driving forces in the tournament so far, contributing with five assists.
That tally sees him top of the assist chart for the World Cup and, even though he has yet to score, the former Crystal Palace man has had plenty of attempts at goal, registering 14 shots, five of which have been on target.
Olise had two shots on target in the opening game against Senegal and then three in the last-32 clash with Sweden so it is entirely feasible that he could again have two or more against Paraguay.
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Paraguay vs. France odds
Paraguay | +1400 |
Tie | +600 |
France | -550 |
Paraguay vs. France player props
Anytime goalscorer
Kylian Mbappe (France) | -163 |
Michael Olise (France) | +175 |
Ousmane Dembele (France) | +130 |
Desire Doue (France) | +160 |
Jules Kounde (France) | +850 |
Adrien Rabiot (France) | +350 |
Julio Enciso (Paraguay) | +750 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
