Patrick Jennings
BBC Sport in Kazan

There was some chat before the game that Nabil Fekir or Thomas Lemar might make the France midfield. Instead Didier Deschamps has gone for what might look like a more defensive option in Blaise Matuidi.

But the Juventus midfielder should give Paul Pogba more licence to attack and there's optimism among the French journalists I've spoken to. They expect a cagey game, with many predicting a France win in extra time.

As for Argentina - there is big love among those here for the false nine role Lionel Messi is expected to fill today, while calls for 22-year-old forward Cristian Pavon to start have been answered.

Hmm, I like your optimism for goals there Jonathan but I'm not sure - last 16 tie, both these sides meeting in the knockout stage for the first time, lots of quality in both teams.

I'm expecting a cagey affair and one goal to decide this one. Might even go the distance.

Jonathan Robinson: France to score in both halves, Greizmann to score anytime, Mascherano to be booked - 66/1...boom..paid for the weekend in Donegal!!

France boss Didier Deschamps reacts to last Tuesday's goalless draw with Denmark by making six changes to that weakened side.

Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, defenders Benjamin Pavard and Samuel Umtiti, midfielders Paul Pogba and Blaise Matuidi, as well as 19-year-old forward Kylian Mbappe, are all recalled.

Those making way include Steve Mandanda, Djibril Sidibe, Presnel Kimpembe, Steven Nzonzi, Ousmane Dembele and Thomas Lemar.

Benjamim Mendy is injured.

France XI: Lloris, Pavard, Varane, Umtiti, Hernandez, Pogba, Kante, Kylian Mbappe, Griezmann, Matuidi, Giroud.

Just the one change forArgentinafrom the side that beat Nigeria 2-1 to reach the knockout stage.

There is no Gonzalo Higuain, the Juventus forward's place in the side taken by 22-year-old Cristian Pavon. Sergio Aguero is also on the bench.

We expect Lionel Messi to play as the centre forward/striker/false nine.

Argentina XI: Armani, Mercado, Otamendi, Rojo, Tagliafico, Perez, Mascherano, Banega, Pavon, Messi, Di Maria.

Patrick Jennings
BBC Sport in Kazan

Image source, Getty Images

Argentina's fans are once again out in droves. There are absolutely loads of them around the Kazan Arena soaking up the pre-match atmosphere. For those who fancy it, this includes dancing with a human hiding inside a giant crab costume.

The France supporters I did find were in fine voice though - showing off a lovely little song about N'Golo Kante. Basically the gist of it is that he's short, very nice, and today is going to munch Lionel Messi.

Fancy getting involved? Then you can either play along and tweet us as though you are watching this game live, or tell us your memories of this game and the World Cup, where were you watching it? Did you go?

Let us know via #bbcfootball

Hello and welcome to the present day! With the ongoing coronavirus situation having wiped out the sporting calendar (except in Belarus) for the foreseeable future, we at BBC Sport are taking a trip down memory lane, reliving some of sport's best moments.

Today we're winding the clock back ever so slightly to 2018 and the World Cup that year for the epic last-16 tie between France and Argentina.

The whole game will be available to watch 'as live' from 15:30 BST on BBC Red Button, iPlayer and via this page so why not forget about the current world for a couple of hours and play along as we re-watch a modern classic.

Image source, Getty Images

Phew! Everyone recovered? What a group stage that was!

Now, though, it is time for things to get serious - the knockout stage of the 2018 World Cup and first up a step into the unknown as France meet Argentina at this stage of a major tournament for the first time.

Things could get tasty.