The UEFA Nations League returns after making its debut during the international break last month. Two heavyweights clash on Tuesday night as world champions France host 2014 World Cup winners Germany in Group 1A.

STATS

• France enjoyed the perfect summer as they lifted the famous World Cup trophy in Russia but in their three international fixtures since, they have only won one. A goalless draw with Germany in their first Nations League match was followed up with a 2-1 win over the Netherlands before a very disappointing 2-2 draw with Iceland last week. Their last defeat came back in March against Colombia, they are unbeaten in 14 in the last seven months.
• Germany’s shocking World Cup performance ended prematurely at the end of the group stage and they have been in freefall since June. They have won one of the three internationals since which was a below par 2-1 win against Peru before an awful 3-0 loss to the Netherlands last week, which has put the Germans rock bottom of the Nations League group. Their last away win came almost a year ago in November 2017.
• Kylian Mbappe has been France’s leading talisman ever since the World Cup began and with five goals in his last seven internationals, he’ll be hoping to continue his record.
• Germany are desperately struggling to find a goalscorer and this was apparent at the World Cup. Timo Werner really needs to stand up and be counted if he is to lead the line.

HEAD TO HEAD

Germany have certainly found it hard against France in their recent meetings on the world stage. They have drawn both of the last two following two consecutive losses, as mentioned the most recent of the two draws was a goalless one last month in the Nations League. There have been over 2.5 goals just once in the last five meetings while that was the only game where both teams have scored.

FRANCE NEWS

The most notable absences from the France squad are Samuel Umtiti, Nabil Fekir and Benjamin Mendy as Mbappe is expected to return to the starting XI. A win would take the hosts four points clear at the top of Group A1, giving them a great chance of making the playoffs.

Latest matches: France

11.10.2018	Int.	France	Iceland	2:2	D
09.09.2018	UEFA	France	Netherlands	2:1	W
06.09.2018	UEFA	Germany	France	0:0	D
15.07.2018	Worl	France	Croatia	4:2	W
10.07.2018	Worl	France	Belgium	1:0	W

GERMANY NEWS

The visitors will be without Jerome Boateng who has been ruled out of the clash through injury while mass changes are expected following a shocking 3-0 defeat. They must win to have any chance of taking top spot in the group but they are certainly up against a tough test.

Latest matches: Germany

13.10.2018	UEFA	Netherlands	Germany	3:0	L
09.09.2018	Int.	Germany	Peru	2:1	W
06.09.2018	UEFA	Germany	France	0:0	D
27.06.2018	Worl	South Korea	Germany	2:0	L
23.06.2018	Worl	Germany	Sweden	2:1	W

SUMMARY

After winning the World Cup in the summer, France will be hoping to win another Nations League game on Tuesday as they face a Germany side in big trouble. Backing France to win definitely seems like a safe bet whilst looking at France -1 is riskier but could reap a bigger reward. The Germans have struggled in front of goal so their opponents will be confident of keeping a clean sheet.