Brazil’s Samba Boys hoping to dance against old foes France

Hosts France (6/4 favourites with Coral for victory) can only flex their muscles in friendlies during the build-up to Euro 2016, so this prestige outing against Brazil (9/5) is serious business.

Les Bleus welcome the boisterous Samba Boys back to the Stade de France, the ground where French football famously reached its pinnacle back in 1998, with a World Cup final triumph against Brazil. No trophies are at stake this time, but there is still Gallic pride to play for. So, make the most of Coral’s generous matchday offer, by backing France to win and both teams to score at fantastic odds of 5/1 (maximum stake £20).

In a duel stuffed with Galacticos, Les Bleus will be missing super stopper Hugo Lloris and Juventus midfield dynamo Paul Pogba.

Both losses are big blows, but Didier Deschamps’ exciting crop of French fledglings will still be eager to test themselves against the skill of the Samba Boys.

Since conceding 10 in the World Cup over two games against European powers Germany and the Netherlands, the South American nation have kept six clean sheets from seven.

This means superstar striker Karim Benzema (11/2 to bag the opener) and back-up option Olivier Giroud (the same price to have the final say) will have to be at their best to breach Brazil’s backline.

In support will likely be flexible Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann and Lyon’s leading scorer Alexandre Lacazette.

The potent pair have notched up an impressive 44 goals across all competitions between them, and are 15/8 and 7/4 in the anytime market respectively, while potential debutant Nabil Fekir is 9/4.