Republic of Ireland host France at Aviva Stadium in their opening Group B qualifier for UEFA Euro 2024.
Victory would see Republic of Ireland stay third at minimum unless Netherlands also win and outscore the Irish, whilst France will stay top with a win.
Team News
Seamus Coleman is a doubt for Ireland after he sat out their friendly win over Latvia due to a thigh injury.
Josh Cullen and Jason Knight were meanwhile rested but are expected to return to the starting line-up, although Will Smallbone could retain his place after impressing against Latvia.
Manager, Stephen Kenny could opt to recall Gavin Bazunu in goal after Caoimhin Kelleher struggled to impress against Latvia.
France manager, Didier Deschamps could rotate his squad after their 4-0 mauling of Netherlands with Benjamin Pavard and Olivier Giroud amongst those pushing for a start in Dublin.
When is Kick-Off?
Republic of Ireland host France at Aviva Stadium, Dublin, in a 7:45pm BST kick-off on Monday 27 March, live on Viaplay in UK.
Stat Attack
- Republic of Ireland are winless in their last seven meetings against France in all competitions (D3, L4).
- France have won just two of their last six visits to Ireland in all competitions (W2, D1, L3).
- Ireland have lost each of their last two home games against France by 1-0 results (L2).
- Victory would see Ireland claim three consecutive victories for the first time since a three-match streak between October – November 2016.
- Kylian Mbappe has scored five goals in his last two appearances for France in all competitions (W1, D1).
Prediction
Although this fixture does look a difficult prospect for Ireland, I do hope that they can take heart from their improved attacking quality – especially with Evan Ferguson already looking a serious threat up front who could well be key to breaching France’s defence if given the right chances.
France though were absolutely ruthless in their demolition of Netherlands and if their firepower is on top form, I can see them comfortably dispatching Ireland’s leaky defence with ease because the latter’s back line has often been their downfall over the past year.
Quite simply, I just don’t see Ireland getting anything from this game unless their defence produces a stunner which seems unlikely, yet I do feel like they might have one goal in them if can play like they did against Latvia in terms of attack.
Prediction: ROI 1-3 France
Result: ROI 0-1 France
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