World Cup 2014 play-off: Ukraine v France match preview

A look ahead to tonight’s World Cup play-off at the Olympic Stadium

French stars Karim Benzema Yohan Cabaye (Getty Images)

France will travel to Kiev knowing they face the tough task of scoring against the Ukraine side, who have gone seven games without conceding a goal. Didier Deschamp’s men have come out on top in recent meetings between the two sides.

Mikhail Fomenko, who took charge in December 2012, will be looking to Andriy Yarmolenko to add to his four goals already in the competition as he looks to take his country to the World Cup for only the second time in 16 years.

KICK-OFF: Friday, 9.45pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Ukraine 0 France 2 (Menez, Cabaye), European Championship, June 2012

Ukraine 1 (Tymoschuk) France 4 (Gameiro, Martin, Kaboul), International, June 2011

Ukraine 2 (Voronin, Schevchenko) France 2 (Henry, Govou), European Championship, November 2007

STATS…

Ukraine have kept seven successive clean sheets.

Ukraine have scored 20 times in their last six games.

France are unbeaten in 7 games against Ukraine.

ODDS…

Ukraine to win: 3.4

France to win: 2.46

Draw: 3.25

CLASSIC MATCH...

France took on co-hosts Ukraine at Euro 2012, winning 2-0, but it was remembered for the stoppage in play due to heavy rain. Both sides were forced off by the fourth minute due to a heavy downpour and lightning overhead meant the official had little option but to haul the players off the pitch.

TV: British Eurosport, 8:15am