Kick-off: 1945, 27/03/2023
Stadium: Aviva Stadium
TV: Viaplay Sports
Republic of Ireland face a daunting start to their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign when entertaining World Cup finalists France in Dublin.
Les Bleus have already got off to a flyer in Group B by thrashing Netherlands 4-0 and last lost to the Irish in 1981, winning four of the last five meetings.
The visitors don’t always travel well, but 29/10 for Draw HT/France FT is our first Ireland vs France prediction.
O’Shea relishing big challenge
Ireland last qualified for a major tournament at Euro 2016 and have been stuck at B-level of the Nations League.
The men in green did enjoy two home wins in that competition last summer, though, beating Scotland 3-0 and Armenia 3-2.
Stephen Kenny’s side warmed up for this contest with an entertaining friendly success versus Latvia.
Callum O’Dowda, Evan Ferguson and Chiedozie Ogbene were on target in a 3-2 victory watched by a healthy crowd of 42,211.
Defender Dara O’Shea has urged Ireland to now embrace this challenge, stating: “These are the nights we want to have as a group.
“We want to write our own history. We want to go out and put a good performance in and do the country proud.
“Every game is an opportunity, but when you come up against a side that are as good as France and played in a World Cup final recently, it’s a massive opportunity for ourselves.”
We reckon the hosts will put up a brave effort, but 23/10 for Les Bleus to prevail by any one-goal margin appeals from the Ireland vs France odds.
Les Bleus blitz Dutch early on
France scored three times in the first 22 minutes en route to thrashing Holland 4-0 in Paris to get their campaign off to the perfect start.
Goals from Antoine Griezmann and Dayot Upamecano had Les Bleus two up after only eight minutes, before new captain Kylian Mbappe added a third.
Mbappe netted again two minutes from the end to ensure the Qatar 2022 runners-up took firm control of this pool.
“It was a very good evening,” Didier Deschamps told UEFA. “We were effective in both penalty areas – that’s football at the highest level.
“We now have to think about Ireland – we’ve only got three days to recover. They didn’t play and will no doubt have been watching us on TV.”
The Dutch did have chances, with Memphis Depay having a late penalty saved, so Ireland will hope to have their moments.
However, we’re sticking with Les Bleus to oblige 2-1 at 15/2 in our Ireland vs France betting tips.
Olivier Giroud only came on in the 67th minute on Friday but his physical presence may be preferred to Randal Kolo Muani here.
The former Arsenal and Chelsea striker can be backed at 4/1 to break the deadlock.
Additional stats
Last result:
IRELAND 3-2 Latvia – O’Dowda, Ferguson, Ogbene
FRANCE 4-0 Netherlands – Griezmann, Upamecano, Mbappe (2)
Head-to-head: France 2-0 Ireland, France 2-1 Ireland, France 1-1 Ireland, Ireland 0-1 France
Join bwin today and receive up to £20 money back as a FreeBet if your first wager (3+ selections at odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater) is a loser! Terms and conditions apply.
