2019 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships – France vs Great Britain Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When does France vs Great Britain start? Monday 20th May, 2019 – 15:15 (UK)
Where is France vs Great Britain being played? Steel Arena, Slovakia
What television channel is France vs Great Britain on in the UK? This match will be televised live on FreeSports (Sky channel 422)
Where can I stream France vs Great Britain in the UK? This match cannot be streamed live in the UK
Where can I get tickets for France vs Great Britain? https://www.iihf.com/en/events/2019/wm/static/6180/tickets
THE STATISTICS
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Last meeting: France 4-2 Great Britain
THE TEAM NEWS
FRANCE
- France failed in their bid to avoid a relegation decider as they were shutout against Finland and must now beat Great Britain in their final match to avoid dropping out of the elite pool.
- The French have spent 12 years in this environment but it will all come down to one match following the 3-0 loss to Finland as France remained without a win in the competition so far.
- France have failed to perform in front of goal in this tournament with Anthony Rech and Damien Fleury scoring three goals apiece which accounts for more than half of the total number of goals France have scored (11).
GREAT BRITAIN
- Great Britain were unable to get anything out of their match with hosts Slovakia which sees the Brits now needing to beat France in their final round robin match to avoid relegation in what would be a huge blow.
- After returning to the big stage for the first time in 25 years, a drop back into Division I Group A would be disappointing for Great Britain but after losing 7-1 to Slovakia, the Brits have scored just five goals and conceded 38 and have failed to collect a single point so far.
- Goaltender Ben Bowns was pulled from the Slovakia game when it was apparent that Great Britain would be unable to get back in the game and despite some concern he may have suffered a slight knock, he is set to start this crucial contest.
THE PREDICTION
France and Great Britain face-off in a relegation decider with the winless teams facing a huge encounter. Neither side have impressed in the tournament but will need to pull one big performance out of the bag to avoid relegation. France are favourites to claim the win and they should do just that but if Great Britain are to cause the shock, they will rely heavily on goalie Ben Bowns to produce another huge performance and give them the platform to retain their elite status.
