Europe EURO 2024 Qualifiers (26-28 March)

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Republic of Ireland vs. France Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Republic of Ireland:
Bazunu; Egan, Collins, O'Shea; Doherty, Cullen, Molumby, Knight, O'Dowda; Ferguson, Obafemi

France:
Maignan; Kounde, Konate, Upamecano, T. Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Coman, Griezmann, Mbappe; Kolo Muani

Republic of Ireland welcome France to Dublin in one of the most interesting Euro 2024 qualification matches on Monday. Les Bleus started the campaign with an impressive 4:0 win against the Netherlands, while Ireland won 3:2 the friendly against Latvia. Callum O'Dowda gave the hosts a lead after just 6 minutes before Brighton's teenager Evan Ferguson doubled the lead in the 17th minute with his first international goal. He became the Ireland's youngest scorer since legendary striker Robbie Keane. Everything looked perfect at that moment as Stephen Kenny's men had control of the match. However, the Latvians silenced the home crowd after scoring twice in the finish of the first half. Most of the fans were afraid about the full-time result, but substitute Chiedozie Ogbene scored a winner in the 65th minute for the final 3:2. Ireland will try to secure the continental finals for just the fourth time, having previously reached Euro 1988, Euro 2012 and Euro 2016. However, it won't be easy to pip one of France, Greece or the Netherlands to the top two spots in Group B. The hosts have some additional issues as captain Seamus Coleman is doubtful with a thigh injury. Josh Cullen and Jason Knight weren't risked against Latvia, but both players are in line for midfield starts on Monday evening. Goalkeeper Kelleher conceded two goals in the last friendly match, so Gavin Bazunu may return to the starting eleven.

France were impressive in the first match when they beat the Netherlands with 4:0. Some experts were careful about the cohesion in the French national team following the latest situation. The reason was connect with coach Deschamps' decision to name Kylian Mbappe as new captain. Antoine Griezmann wasn't happy with the choice - with 117 caps and 42 goals for France to his name, Griezmann saw himself as a natural successor to Hugo Lloris, after the goalkeeper announced his international retirement back in January. However, there was no animosity between the two stars during their demolition of the Dutch. Mbappe and Griezmann combined for the latter to score the opening goal after just two minutes. Dayot Upamecano made it 2:0 after 8 minutes, while the third and fourth goal were netted by Mbappe. France came out of the victory against the Netherlands unscathed, although four important players remain sidelined - William Saliba, Wesley Fofana, Paul Pogba and Ngolo Kante. Deschamps has no reason to change something after the outstanding performance against the Netherlands, but Eduardo Camavinga, Olivier Giroud and Benjamin Pavard may come into consideration for starts in order to provide fresh legs.

Republic of Ireland vs. France Prediction:

Republic of Ireland have failed to win any of their last five qualification matches for the European Championships since a 2:0 win over Gibraltar in June 2019. The friendly match with Latvia showed lot of weaknesses, particularly in defense. Ireland conceded two goals from poor Latvia, so it will be much worse against France. Les Bleus won 4:0 against the Netherlands, so I expect to continue the winning series.

Republic of Ireland vs. France Pick: France -1.5 AH @ 2.37 with Pinnacle