France v Switzerland Tips: Pogba can bag another man of the match

France started the tournament as favourites and deservedly so with them being the current world champions, but they’ve failed to find their best form in the group stages. Two draws and a win were enough to gain safe passage to the next round as group leaders, but they’ll be hoping to display their brilliant best as they take on Switzerland here.

Switzerland have displayed a greater attacking impetus in Group A. It hasn’t translated into results, with their only win coming against a lacklustre Turkey team. They’ll need to perform considerable better to progress here.

Deschamps will be looking to utilise the embarrassment of attacking riches at his disposal to comfortably despatch Switzerland and set up a potential clash with Spain in the quarter finals.

Switzerland’s opponents average 8 goal kicks per game in their last ten competitive matches. Wales had 9 goal kicks in Switzerland’s first game of the tournament, Italy had 9 in their second, Turkey had 8 in their final group meeting.

France have had 12, 3 and 8 goal kicks in their three matches so far and the fact Switzerland managed to force 9 goal kicks against Italy, who were the most impressive team of the group stage, gives me hope they could do the same to France.

This bet will be helped significantly if France take an early lead. Switzerland have moved away from their traditional defensive approach under the current regime, that coupled with a France lead would play into our hands here.

Pogba has arguably been France’s best player in the tournament so far and he’s gained many plaudits for his influence on his national team. The Man United midfielder picked up the award in their opener with Germany. France won the match 1-0 and Pogba’s beautifully weighted pass was vital in the goal that sealed the three points.

Bet 365 are offering 8/1 at the time of writing. He’s as short as 5/1 with William Hill. Paddy Power may have a better price available when this goes up, so it’s definitely worth keeping an eye on.

This bet is based off the last time these teams met in a major tournament more than the recent data. Both teams throw averages are well below the required amount here, but the styles match up will hopefully mean we get a run for our money here.

The teams played out a 0-0 draw in the group stages at Euro 2016, but interestingly there was 48 throw ins in that match (22 for Switzerland and 26 for France). I’m happy to take a tab at similar numbers here with Bet 365.