Norway vs France Predicted Lineups & Team News

Norway and France have already advanced to the knockout stages with two wins each but do battle on Friday (3pm local time/8pm BST, ITV1/STV) to see which team takes first place in Group I.

In a clash of the striker titans as Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe go head-to-head, the winning team will take top spot and be rewarded with a third-placed side in the last 32, while the loser will have to face a fellow runner-up. Here's the Norway vs France team news, key players and predicted lineups ahead of the match.

Norway

Right-back Julian Ryerson was taken off as a precaution just 13 minutes into the game with Senegal due to a thigh issue and is unlikely to feature against France.

Marcus Pedersen, who came on to replace Ryerson, scored the opening goal in Norway's 3-2 victory over the Lions of Teranga and should keep his place in the team.

Former West Brom defender Torbjorn Heggem was also replaced late on but should be fit and available though Leo Ostigard will be ready to deputise if required.

After beating Senegal and Iraq in the opener, Norway boss Stale Solbakken is unlikely to make any changes to his midfield or forward line.

Patrick Berg will hope to be involved from the bench again while Oscar Bobb is another substitute option.

France

Didier Deschamps will miss the Norway game having flown back to France following the death of his mother.

Assistant coach Guy Stephan will take charge of the squad until Deschamps' return ahead of the first knockout match and has no fresh injury worries.

However, a decision will have to be made as to whether or not Les Bleus rest players ahead of the last 32 clash as top spot in Group I hasn't yet been sealed.

Desire Doue may reclaim his starting spot in place of Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Bradley Barcola, while William Saliba has been dealing with a minor niggle and could be replaced by Ibrahima Konate.

Remember you can bet on this match and check out all of the live Norway vs France Odds over on betfred.com

Norway vs France Key Players:

Erling Haaland (Norway)

Some players might struggle with nerves and the pace of the game when making their World Cup debut but Erling Haaland isn’t like other players.

The striker announced himself at the finals with an opening game brace to set the Vikings up for a 4-1 win over Iraq and followed it up by netting another double to earn a 3-2 victory against Senegal.

Haaland's goals have helped Norway reach the last 32 with a game to spare and, while France are favourites to win on Friday, it feels like the Scandinavians are capable of beating any side on their day when they have the towering number nine up front.

Kylian Mbappe (France)

While Norway have Haaland, France have Mbappe. Les Bleus may boast supreme quality all over the pitch, but still rely on the forward to produce moments of magic and score the goals required to go all the way.

Netting a hat-trick in the World Cup final four years ago before France lost to Lionel Messi's Argentina on penalties, the Real Madrid forward already has four goals at this tournament, scoring twice against Senegal and bagging another two goals in the win over Iraq.

The winner of this match could come down to which striker is on top form and Mbappe will be determined to fire France to victory and go through as top dogs in Group I.

For all of our coverage and betting markets for the festival of football this summer, please check out our World Cup Odds over on betfred.com