Chelsea's Malo Gusto is in France's roster for the World Cup, but he faces competition from Jules Koundé for a starting spot.
Didier Deschamps' side take on Senegal at 8 pm BST tonight. Therefore, their lineups will be posted an hour before kick-off on their X account: @FrenchTeam.
Is Malo Gusto expected to play for France tonight?
Both Gusto and Koundé are very talented right-backs. But the Chelsea player has been used sparingly by France recently. Koundé has started Les Bleus' last two friendly matches, and appears to be Deschamps' favored right-back.
France's right-back depth chart at the World Cup
Player | Club | Caps | Current squad role |
|---|---|---|---|
Malo Gusto | Chelsea | 11 | Fringe player |
Jules Koundé | Barcelona | 48 | First-choice |
Koundé is more experienced than Gusto and has the experience of playing in the 2022 World Cup, as France got to the final. Gusto did not make his international debut until after the tournament. The Chelsea player, at 23, is four years younger than Gusto. Therefore, he has the potential to be the first-choice right back for France in the future.
Why Malo Gusto's role matters for Chelsea supporters
Gusto has been Chelsea's main right-back recently. This is due to Reece James often being injured or deployed in defensive midfield. Chelsea is used to having many stars at World Cups. However, they did not have the best of campaigns. This has led to many of their top players, including Cole Palmer, missing out on going to the tournament.
Seeing Chelsea players in action at the World Cup will bring joy to their supporters. However, they will want to make sure their men stay fit and will still be fresh for the upcoming season.
How Malo Gusto has performed for France recently
- Gusto was in and out of France's lineup for the World Cup qualifiers. He played 90 minutes in just two of their six games
- The right-back set up two goals in a 3-1 win over Azerbaijan in the qualifiers. He also got an assist in France's most recent friendly against Northern Ireland.
- This year, Gusto played 90 minutes against Brazil, but was then left on the bench against Colombia. The two substitute appearances in recent friendlies followed.
France team news and predicted lineup
Senegal defeated France in the 2002 World Cup. Les Bleus will field a strong lineup to avoid another shock defeat to the African side.
France expected lineup against Senegal:
Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan
Defenders: Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba , Theo Hernández,
Defensive Midfielders: Adrien Rabiot, Aurélien Tchouaméni
Attacking midfielders: Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué
Striker: Kylian Mbappé
What to watch for if Gusto plays tonight
It would be Gusto's World Cup debut, so it will be interesting to see how he deals with the pressure of performing on the biggest stage of all. The right-back likes to contribute going forward, but will have to be disciplined against a strong Senegal side.
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