TIPS - Iceland VS France

[(Iceland) Strength]:
1. Iceland are currently ranked 3rd in the group with 3 points, so they must go all out to grab points in order to advance to the play-offs. Despite facing the powerhouse France this time, they are fully motivated to grab points.
2. Iceland forward Albert Gudmundsson has scored twice in the last match, helping the team equalize at one point, and delivered an impressive individual performance.
3. Iceland's attacking firepower has been highly reliable in this World Cup qualification (UEFA), scoring a total of 9 goals in 3 matches with an average of 3 goals per game. They have found the net in every match during this period.

[(Iceland) Weakness]:
1. Iceland lost to Ukraine 3-5 in the last World Cup qualifier, suffering back-to-back defeats, so they are in gloomy form.
2. Iceland's defense has been worrying, conceding 7 goals in 3 matches during this World Cup qualification (UEFA) with an average of over 2 goals conceded per game.
3. Iceland's home performance has been inconsistent in recent years. The team have achieved a record of 2 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses in their last 5 home matches, with a winning rate of only 40%.
4. Iceland have got 1 draw and 5 losses in the previous 6 encounters, being at a disadvantage.

[(France) Strength]:
1. France currently sit top of the group with 9 points, and a victory in this match would virtually guarantee their qualification for the World Cup in advance, leaving no doubt about their determination to win.
2. France hammered Azerbaijan 3-0 in the last World Cup qualifier at home. They are in red-hot form after winning all 3 matches in this World Cup qualification (UEFA) so far.
3. France have a powerful offensive force. The team scored a total of 7 goals in the 3 matches of this World Cup qualification (UEFA), averaging more than 2 goals per game.
4. France have a solid defense. The team conceded only one goal in 3 matches of this World Cup qualification (UEFA), and kept two clean sheets.
5. France are quite competitive on the road. They achieved 3 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss in the last 5 away matches, with a win rate up to 60%.

[(France) Neutral]:
1. France centre-back Ibrahima Konate has been undergoing treatment since joining the squad this week and missed the previous World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan. He will remain unavailable for the match against Iceland. Coach Didier Deschamps has decided to release Ibrahima Konate and call up Benjamin Pavard in his place. The Olympique de Marseille defender will join the team in Reykjavik.

[(France) Weakness]:
1. France's star player Kylian Mbappe scored and assisted in the previous match, helping the team secure all three points. However, he sustained an ankle injury during the game and was substituted early. He has already left the national team and returned to Real Madrid, ruling him out of this match.

[Tips]:
Iceland in poor form are on a 2-game losing streak. The team have serious problems at the back, and their ability at home is limited, but they have outstanding offensive firepower.

France have been dominant in this World Cup qualification (UEFA), winning all three of their matches so far. The team have excelled both offensively and defensively, while also demonstrating strong away form.

Historically, France have held a clear advantage in head-to-head encounters.

However, with star player Kylian Mbappe ruled out of this match, the bookmakers show a significant downgrade in support for them.

Thus, Iceland are expected to avoid a heavy defeat at home.

[Recommended]:
Iceland (+2)