International Friendlies - The Road To The World Cup Preview

The International break has once again arrived, players from all across the world have left their clubs to join fellow National teammates, with many of the participating Countries getting their final preparations in, before they head to Russia in June.

The next two weeks offers up the opportunity for many of the National teams to solidify their squads in final tune-up matches, we should see many of the first team members participating in the first fixture on the schedule, while second team players get their chances to impress in the final game on the docket.

International friendlies can offer a great chance to show a return on your Investment, but with the National Team's that have already punched their ticket to Russia, each will be looking to avoid injuries or over exert themselves in what can be called a glorified Exhibition game, this will always take precedent over victory in most cases, be weary of those types of situations when making your Investment selections.

14834 France - 14835 Colombia

3-23-2018 - 4:00 pm ET

Stade de France,  Saint-Denis, France

The featured match on the card, sees two Countries ranked in the top 10 of the world, as Colombia make the long journey to the suburbs of Paris, where the mighty French National team awaits them in what should be a highly entertaining event, with many of the top club players in in Europe all stepping onto the pitch at one time, with the opportunity to test themselves at the highest level of competition.

Colombia start their process of fine tuning their squad, against what many consider one of the favorites to win it all in Russia, La Tricolor are looking to repeat their glorious World Cup run in 2014.

The Colombians surprised many by making it to the Quarter Finals in Brazil, now with many of their core players in tact from that magical run, Los Cafeteros are prepared to start the process of replicating that feat in France on Friday night.

José Pékerman continues to head up the National team side, after investing 6 years into turning the South American squad back into a perennial power of the Worlds landscape, the Argentine head man has now positioned the Tri-Colors for yet another memorable run in Russia this June.

Pékerman has avoided many of the normal injury concerns to his squad, with only Juan Cuadrado a significant miss in the starting eleven, the Colombians will field their strongest possible side, with all intentions of leaving France with a rare victory.

Carlos Bacca and Radamel Falcao will showcase within the visitors front-line, the South American squad have found success with a traditional 4-4-2 formation, with Bacca and Falcao playing side by side, as the primary strikers in Colombia's attack, with 36 combined Goals in all competitions, the duo will offer the best chances to pierce the home sides net.

James Rodriguez will take to the pitch in his customary play-maker role, the Bayern Munich man tends to come to life with his Countries shirt on his back, the creative Midfielder is well rounded when in possession of the ball, using an array of passes to break down opposing defenses, while being clinical in Set Piece situations.

Los Cafeteros generally go as Rodriguez goes, placing a ton of pressure on his shoulders to perform at a high level, his contributions are once again a must on Friday, if the Colombians are to grab a positive result against the high powered French outfit.

France will start the fixture with their own set of goals, after a disappointing 2014 World Cup run, Les Bleus have revised their star studded squad, with intentions of lifting the Trophy in Russia in July.

Didier Deschamps has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal, with the ability to leave out the likes of Dimitri Payet, Kevin Gameiro and newcomer Nabil Fekir, the France manager has his hands full getting all his star players valuable minutes, ahead of this summers tournament.

Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe should be two of the more likely candidates to get the nod in Deschamps starting eleven, generally placed in a 4-3-3 formation, the pacey wingers have the freedom to raise havoc down the flanks.

The dynamic tandem of Attacking Midfielders have made their mark on European pitches this season, combining for 42 Goals and 22 Assists in all competitions, look for Griezmann and Mbappe to play major roles in Les Bleus plan of attack.

Anthony Martial, Ousmane Dembele, Florian Thauvin and Manchester United slayer Wissam Ben Yedder, are all other hot commodities that will look for their time to shine in the attack, expect a impressive combination of players, regardless of whose names get called from one match to the next.

The French often carry a heavy advantage on their own soil, while playing at the Stade de France their advantage seems to increase, expect a motivated side to prove their worth, against a fellow top ten team in the world's rankings.

Prediction:

Colombia are as talented as any other squad within their starting eleven, but their depth will always be an issue going forward, with the dependency on just two or three players to make the team go, it is easier for the opposition to key in on those specific individuals, limiting their ultimate success.

France on the other hand, have an abundance of talent which can cause its on types of issues, getting players who are used to playing heavy minutes domestically, their fair share of the match-time on the pitch, becoming a cohesive unit will be the largest obstacle to over come for Les Bleus.

Even with both scenarios due to play out Friday night, the French unit have the clear advantage at this stage in the process, we should see a truly inspired performance, as the the home side have played their best football in front of their  loyal supporters, while each player who steps onto the pitch, will give a passionate effort to impress

with only eleven spots to fill to show their true class in front of the world.

Expect a multi-goal display from the hosts, as France kick off the International break period with a convincing win, against one of the better National team sides in the land.

Tips:

France  -1  -120 / 1.83 - Full Time Spread

France - Team Total  Over 1.75  -115 / 1.91 - Goals

*Friendlies Bonus Tips*

14807 Germany - 14808 Spain

3-23-2018 - 3:45 pm ET

Both Teams To Score - "YES" -140 / 1.71

Over 2.5  -110 / 1.91 - Total Full Time Goals

14822 Netherlands - 14823 England

3-23-2018 - 3:45 pm ET

Netherlands - PK / DNB  -120 / 1.83 - Full Time

14819 Mexico - 14820 Iceland

3-23-2018 - 10:00 pm ET

Mexico -0.75 -110 / 1.91 - Full Time Spread

Best Of Luck To All