France vs Argentina Prediction: Pumas to make French work for victory

Having given Ireland a scare in Dublin last week, Argentina are set for another huge test when they prepare to face France at the Stade de France on Friday night (20:10, TNT Sports 1).

Below is my France vs Argentina prediction, alongside team news and match odds.

Losing 22-19 at the Aviva Stadium, the Pumas were so close to a rare victory in Dublin, which would have added another major scalp to their list this year after wins over New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.

Argentina have shown they can be a match for anyone and will be eager to cause an upset against a France side who were so impressive in their 30-29 victory over the All Blacks.

Another thrilling Autumn Nations Series clash is on the cards in Paris on Friday night, in a match that should see Argentina push Les Bleus all the way.

Team News

France boss Fabien Galthie has made four changes from the side that overcame the All Blacks last week, with, most notably, Gregory Alldritt dropping out of the 23-man squad.

Charles Ollivon replaces Alldritt at No.8, while Uini Atonio replaces the injured tighthead prop Tevita Tatafu.

Rugby Union Odds

Francois Cros has come through his return-to-play protocols, meaning he will come into the back row at the expense of Alexandre Roumat, who drops to the bench.

As for the visitors, Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi has made just the one change from the side that pushed Ireland all the way in Dublin, with Gonzalo Garcia replacing Gonzalo Bertranou at scrum-half.

France vs Argentina Odds

*Please click on the link above to be taken to the main France vs Argentina page on betfred.com (or app) for all the live betting prices on this match.

France are the heavy favourites to win at 2/9 (81.8% implied win probability), while Argentina are 100/30 to leave Paris with another major scalp.

A draw at the Stade de France is 22/1, while Argentina to be leading at the half-time and full-time whistle are available at 4/1.

+9 handicap - Argentina @ 21/20

The last time these sides met was back in July as the Pumas earned a 33-25 victory over a much-changed French side in Buenos Aires.

It might be a push for Argentina to claim a victory on Friday night, but they are certainly worth considering with a +9 handicap.

With a powerful pack that will look to challenge these formidable French forwards, the Pumas will rely on their set-pieces in what should be a fascinating arm wrestle in Paris.

Already beating the All Blacks, Wallabies and Springboks this year, Argentina with the +9 handicap looks to be the way to go here.

Anytime Tryscorer - Antoine Dupont (FRA) @ 5/4

As the French pack looks to take the fight to the Argentine forwards at the Stade de France, expect their talismanic scrum-half Antoine Dupont to be sniping around the breakdown.

A master of the pick-and-go when perhaps a pass is expected to an on-running forward, Dupont is such a threat close to the try line.

Deceptively strong for a man of his stature, Dupont is great value to add to his 13 tries for France on Friday.

Rugby Union Betting Tips from Betfred Insights.