Turkiye vs. France Prediction, Picks & Odds for Friday's Nations League Match

Les Bleus failed to win the World Cup, and my Turkiye vs. France prediction looks at whether they're going to take that out on the hosts (who also had a disappointing WC run) on Friday. Kickoff from Yildiz Entegre Kocaeli Stadyumu in Kocaeli, Turkiye, is set for 2:45 p.m. ET (Fubo).

One of the biggest questions surrounding the game: how will France look with Zinedine Zidane on the touchline, their first new manager since Didier Deschamps took over in 2012. 

⚽ Turkiye vs. France predictions & best bets

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Ousmane Dembele 2+ shots on target (+100)

Zidane seems set to roll Dembele out as the central striker with Mbappe on the left and Olise on the right, and I love him in that role to get two on target - particularly at bet365, where the "sub on, play on" could save us late (say, if Doue comes on). Rather than beginning possessions wide and needing to find his way into the penalty area, he should spend far more time occupying central striking positions while Mbappe and Olise do the wide stretching. 

Dembele hit this target in four of his last eight international games (all at the World Cup) while operating as an attacking midfielder. He's a shoot-first attacker, and Turkiye's defenders have to give plenty of respect to Mbappe. You can only double up on so many players.

The combination of central positioning, elite supporting talent, and potentially increased penalty-area involvement makes this interesting.

🔥 More Turkiye vs. France expert picks

Turkiye Over 10.5 shots (-110)

For all of the unknowns of the Zidane era in France, the Vincenzo Montella era in Turkiye brings plenty of familiarity, as he's been patrolling the touchlines since 2023. His setup is built around possession (which should be a challenge against a dominant French side), but it also features aggressive attacking transitions.

Turkiye has averaged well above this number in recent international play, and while France isn't just any old opponent, playing catch-up might result in additional shots fired at the target. Bans Alper Yilmaz will be playing as the No. 9, with Kerem Akturkoglu and Arda Guler stretching the defense wide. There are plenty of routes here for Turkiye into the first third, and this is a fair price for them to get off 11 against France.

Over 9.5 corners (-120)

Both squads have a reasonable path to helping this corner count along. Aggressive fullback play from the hosts should result in crosses, one of the single best routes to corner number ticking up via deflections. France presents the better and more complementary source. The 4-3-3 setup from Zidane will have Mbappe, Dembele, and Olise all up front, a trio of attackers that are capable of attacking defenders directly and forcing them into blocks and clearances. 

The game state is also favorable. France's superior attacking talents should keep Turkiye pinned deep for long stretches, while Turkiye's transitional speed and attack can also create sustained periods of pressure on the France back end. Despite how it may seem on paper, Turkiye should be able to do enough that they're not simply suffocated for the whole match. 

📊 Turkiye vs. France odds

Odds from bet365 as of Sept. 24; subject to change

• Three-way moneyline: Turkiye (+600) | Draw (+400) | France (-239)
• Total: Over 2.5 (-225) | Under 2.5 (+170)

🆚 Turkiye vs. France projected lineups

Here are the projected lineups for Turkiye vs. France; subject to change:

📺 How to watch Turkiye vs. France

• Date: Friday, Sept. 25
• Kickoff: 2:45 p.m. ET
• Location: Yildiz Entegre Kocaeli Stadyumu (Kocaeli, Türkiye)
• Streaming: Fubo