Are we all France or Morocco tonight?

Thumbs up for France or down for Morocco, please.

This has been a World Cup of surprises but AI always goes for the obvious doesn't it?

It doesn't have opinions or insight - that's why it was wrong and thought Brazil would beat Norway in the last round. I don't rely on algorithms - and that's why I got that tie right.

However, while I am brave when it comes to my predictions, I am not stupid - well, not all the time anyway - which is why I am going for the favourites here.

I have backed France to win this World Cup from the start, and I am not going to change my mind now.

Morocco are capable of beating them but, to do it, they will have to do something they have not done so far at this tournament, which is play well for 90 minutes.

They were really poor in the first half against Canada in the last 16 and looked really lethargic. They are a team who have spells in games where they look a real force, but if they start like that again this time, then they will be in big trouble.

They are a powerful side and skilful too, but key forward Ismael Saibari's injury is a blow too and I am not really sure if they can hurt France without him up front.

We saw some real character from France to stay calm in the face of the provocation they got from Paraguay last time out, and we already knew about their quality.

Desire Doue came off the bench to make a difference in that game, which shows the strength they have and, because of that - and with Saibari out - I am going for France to take this.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Hassan Kachloul
Former Morocco international speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live

It is a very difficult choice to have, and I had the same opportunity in the nineties. For myself, there was more opportunity with Morocco.

For Ayyoub Bouaddi, he chose with his heart and he decided to play with Morocco. I think it is a choice to have a long career, and it is all credit to Morocco as players want to play for Morocco.

Alistair Bruce-Ball
BBC Radio 5 Live commentator at Boston Stadium

Morocco are different and they're dangerous. If they win this, then this World Cup is wide open.

The teams are out in Boston. What a game this could be.

A semi-final spot up for grabs. Huge.

Ian Dennis
BBC Radio 5 Live senior football reporter at the World Cup

Spain are the team to beat and they're my favourites more than France. I've changed my mind having seen both teams.

Spain have a greater control, defensively limit sides to few chances and are still yet to concede.

I saw all group games involving France but they don't possess the same level of control as Spain and do give teams a chance.

Senegal should have been ahead at half-time and even an understrength Norway side created awkward moments in the first half in Boston.

I think Morocco can give them problems but lying in wait should be Spain in the last four - a repeat of the Euro 2024 semi-final that Spain won 2-1.

Kylian Mbappe has looked unbelievable during this World Cup and has been the driving force for France.

With seven goals in five games, he trails Lionel Messi at the top of the Golden Boot leaderboard by one.

He also trails him in the all-time scoring stats by two.

Image source, Getty Images

Hassan Kachloul
Former Morocco international speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live

Morocco don't have a holding striker that can help the block move forward.

Apart from the back four, Morocco plays with seven midfielders. I do think they pack the midfield to win the battle and to slow down the pace of the game.

Let's hope the plan can work and that they can be patient.

Kulsum Hafeji and Srosh Khan
BBC Newsbeat

Michael Olise is a name on everyone’s lips this year.

The 24-year-old winger has already registered five assists for France at this tournament - the first player to do so at a World Cup since 1994.

Born in London, the ex-Crystal Palace player, who started at Reading U15 team, was a bit spoilt for choice on who to play for. He had the option of four different countries due to his parents’ heritage - including England.

Speaking to BBC Newsbeat, Dan Cook, who hosts a Crystal Palace podcast, says it was “obvious that he was always going to be somebody that went on to another level” when he watched him play for the UK club.

Cook sees Olise as a “balletic, poised, composed, confident and controlled” player, and feels Kylian Mbappé’s opinion of him speaks volumes.

“Kylian Mbappe has the world at his feet and he has name checked Michael Olise and said how important their relationship is on the pitch,” Cook says.

“It speaks to the quality that Michael Olise has that he can slot into any system really.

“That really shows that he’s arrived on the world stage and will continue to flourish for the next few years.”

BBC Sounds

There is recent history between these sides in the latter stages of the World Cup knockout rounds, and we could be in for an unmissable evening here.

If you're not watching, BBC Radio 5 Live build-up and commentary from the Boston Stadium is available on this page and the BBC Sounds app - where you can even set a sleep timer if that's your thing.

All World Cup commentaries, reaction and podcasts - including Sporting Giants: Kylian Mbappe - are now in one place on Sounds.

Listen here.

Julien Laurens
ESPN journalist on BBC Radio 5 Live at Boston Stadium

I expect Morocco to be more cautious at the start of the game.

I don't expect Achraf Hakimi to go into his long runs early.

I think the way Morocco play is the other extreme of what we saw of Paraguay, which is really good for France.

Four years ago, France ended Morocco's extraordinary World Cup run in Qatar, knocking out the first African and Arab nation ever to reach a World Cup semi-final.

Today in Boston, they meet again, but this time Morocco aren't returning as football's dreamers.

They're returning believing they belong.

"This is a revenge match for the Moroccan national team," says Moroccan sports journalist Hamza Shteiwy.

"Especially for the players who were part of that 2022 squad. They felt that loss deeply, and now they're looking to settle the score - for themselves and for the team."

Image source, Getty Images

We’re at the quarter-final stage of the World Cup and four of the eight teams involved have never won football's greatest prize. For Morocco to do so, they must first overcome two-time champions, France, in their quarter-final in Boston.

North African football journalist, Maher Mezahi, discusses their chances against the pre-tournament favourites on the latest episode of 'More than the Score'.

Roy Keane
Former Republic of Ireland captain on ITV

If Morocco are going to get a result tonight, they will need to be clinical with the one or two chances that they create. They will need all of their top players at their very, very best.

Gary Rose
BBC Sport journalist at the World Cup

France are clearly a tough prospect for any side right now with Mbappe in form in attack and Olise arguably the best player at the World Cup so far.

But we are at the business end of the tournament now and anyone can beat anyone at this stage.

Make no mistake, it will be tough for Morocco against them but let's remember that the Atlas Lions were World Cup semi-finalists just four years and arguably have got better since then.

Morocco have shown they can defend well and frustrate their opponents, and if they can do that to France then why can't they win? I wouldn't rule them out of going all the way, either.

Morocco were unlucky to come away with a draw in their opening group game against Brazil but they soon secured passage to the knockouts.

It sometimes hasn't been too pretty to watch but it's another quarter-final spot for the African champions.

France are looking to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup semi-final, having done so in both 2018 (winners) and 2022 (runners-up).

Only two other nations have reached the semi-final in three back-to-back tournaments: Germany (four from 2002-2014 and three from 1982-1990) and Brazil (three from 1994-2002).

Image source, Getty Images

I think one of the great things about this World Cup is that all of the big players have turned up.

Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane all going at it for the Golden Boot.

Just what we want to see.