Predicted Tunisia XI: Carthage Eagles to drop Drager against World Cup champions France?

10:12 PM IST 29/11/22

The North African nation comes face to face with Les Bleus hoping to defy the odds and make it to the next phase

Tunisia will play their final group game on Friday against defending champions France hoping to get maximum points to stand a chance of making it to the World Cup Round of 16.

The Carthage Eagles are the only African team yet to score in the ongoing competition after drawing 0-0 against Denmark before falling to Australia by a solitary goal.

They are playing a team that have scored six goals in two matches but may rest players on Friday at the Education City Stadium. This is because France have already progressed to the next round and are expected to top their group.

Here is how Tunisia might line up with improvements required at the back and front of the team.

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Goalkeeper: Aymen Dahmen

The custodian has been impressive in the initial two matches he was in goal and will be keen to keep a clean sheet as his team hope to get maximum points against the reigning champions.
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Centre-Back: Dylan Bronn

The Salernitana defender has rarely disappointed in Qatar and with the France game being vital, the Tunisia technical bench will most likely retain the same back three.
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Centre-Back: Montassar Talbi

The 24-year-old has completed each of the last two games and will be relied on in helping Ali Abdi deal with Kylian Mbappe.
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Centre-Back: Yassine Meriah

Meriah has usually played between Talbi and Bronn owing to his high organisational skills. He will have to ensure Olivier Giroud does not have room to punish them in the danger zone.
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Right Wing-Back: Wajdi Kechrida

Mohammed Drager disappointed in the 1-0 loss against Australia and was subbed after the first half.
Kechrida might make his first start in the competition owing to how he played after being introduced.
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Left Wing-Back: Ali Abdi

It will be interesting to see how the 28-year-old Caen defender deals with Mbappe who is among the top scorers.
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Central Midfielder: Ellyes Skhiri

The FC Koln man has been effective for the Carthage Lions alongside Laidouni and he surely must start this vital game.
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Central Midfielder: Aissa Laidouni

The midfielder is yet to finish a match, coming off in the 87th minute against Denmark before being subbed in the 66th minute in the 1-0 loss versus Australia.
However, his importance cannot be overlooked; he will be vital against Les Bleus.
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Left Wing: Youssef Msakni

Msakni has five league goals and two assists for his team Al Arabi but he has not yet delivered for Tunisia.
He has to step up on Wednesday against the reigning champions.
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Forward: Wahbi Khazri

He is the country's second all-time top scorer but he has so far featured just once, a substitute appearance against Australia.
With Issam Jebali struggling to score, Khazri might be considered.
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Right Wing: Naim Sliti

Impressed after getting a start against Australia and might be considered against France. He should at times switch positions with Khazri.