France v Spain: Visitors' revamp won't deliver instantly

Vicente del Bosque remains, but Spain's squad is much-changed

Michael Lintorn thinks it will take time for Spain to regain form as they head to France for their first post-World Cup friendly...

France v Spain
Thursday, 20:00
Live on Sky Sports 5

Match Odds: France 2.568/5, Spain 3.1511/5, The Draw 3.39/4

The post-World Cup mood around these nations could scarcely contrast more. For the first time in a century in which they have swung erratically between final appearances and group-stage exits, France had neither a great nor grim tournament but an average one.

They exited fairly meekly against eventual winners Germany in the quarter-finals, yet impressed before that, scoring ten goals and conceding just two to earn back national affection at a key time as they prepare to host Euro 2016.

There is some much-needed continuity too with Didier Deschamps sticking around as manager and Franck Ribery the only noteworthy retiree.

Whereas France's retention of their World Cup spine is encouraging, Spain required a rebuild after their wretched performance in Brazil. Though Vicente del Bosque stays as coach - the RFEF showing laudable loyalty - Alvaro Arbeloa, Xavi Hernandez, Xabi Alonso and David Villa all stepped aside.

Their squad for this friendly consequently feels fresh, with Espanyol goalkeeper Kiko Casilla, Athletic Bilbao defender Mikel San Jose, Atletico Madrid's man-of-many-roles Raul Garcia and Valencia forward Paco Alcacer among those being granted a chance.

Spain triumphed to nil on their two previous trips to Paris this decade, but given the change that they are undergoing and the fact that France are far more advanced in their current cycle, it is Les Bleus that look the more likely winners at 2.568/5.

Over/under 2.5 goals

1.674/6 is a tasty unders price having been a feature of all five head-to-heads since 2008. France are without the crocked Olivier Giroud and no-longer-available Ribery, while Spanish spearhead Diego Costa is yet to score an international goal despite appearing twice for Brazil and four times for Spain.

Six of Spain's eight most recent encounters have been limited to two goals or fewer, with both they and their opponents infiltrating the scoresheet on only one occasion.

France were involved in a few goal-heavy games at the World Cup, though their clashes with other elite countries tend to be less prolific. They lost 0-1 to Germany in Brazil, beat Netherlands 2-0 in the build-up and their meetings with Spain in World Cup qualifying finished 0-1 and 1-1.

Best Bet: Back under 2.5 goals @ 1.684/6
Other Recommended Bet: Back France to win (draw no bet) @ 1.84/5