France predicted XI v Azerbaijan: Hugo Ekitiké and Malo Gusto to start | OneFootball

Hugo Ekitiké, who will wear the No.9 jersey for France during the current international break, is set for his first international start, against Azerbaijan later tonight.

Ekitiké could join Kylian Mbappé in playing in a central position for Les Bleus in their FIFA World Cup qualifier. France’s captain had been a doubt, having missed training at the start of the week, but he is fit and is highly likely to start.

Elsewhere, it could be Malo Gusto who starts at right-back. The Chelsea defender could take the position of the first-choice RB option, Jules Koundé. In midfield, Juventus’ Khéphren Thuram could start, whilst there could also be a surprise start for Kingsley Coman on the left. William Saliba is expected to partner Dayot Upamecano at centre-back, leaving Ibrahima Konaté on the bench.

France likely line-up v Azerbaijan

Mike Maignan; Théo Hernandez, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Malo Gusto; Kingsley Coman, Khéphren Thuram, Adrien Rabiot, Michael Olise; Hugo Ekitiké, Kyliam Mbappé. (L’Éq)

GFFN | Luke Entwistle