FRANCE resume their Euro 2024 qualification campaign when they face the Republic of Ireland at the Parc des Princes on Thursday night.
Didier Deschamps' side have shown no signs of a World Cup hangover having won each of their opening four Group B assignments.
Last time out, Les Bleus battled to a 1-0 win at home to Greece, a triumph that saw them move six points clear of their opponents at the top of the section in the process.
Back on home soil on matchday five, France will look to tighten their grip at the summit when they welcome the Republic of Ireland.
After failing to qualify for Euro 2020, Stephen Kenny’s are already facing an uphill battle in their bid to get out of Group B after starting with defeats against both France and Greece.
The Boys in Green have since gone on to pick up three points at home to group whipping boys Gibraltar, but it’s going to take a herculean effort from them to add to their points tally in Paris on Thursday night.
Outright Betting
France are heavy 2/9 (Bet 365) favourites to make it a perfect five wins from five on Thursday night.
Republic of Ireland fell to defeat in March’s reverse fixture and they are unsurprisingly expected to suffer the same fate here, with the away win trading at a towering 14/1 (Betfred) while the draw is as big as 11/2 (PaddyPower).
Betting Angles
France are far too short to side with at the above-mentioned price but bundling up a home win and Kylian Mbappe to score will bring about a backable 4/5 (Bet 365) Bet Builder.
Mbappe was France's chief tormentor during Les Bleus' run to the 2022 World Cup final and that fine form has continued during Euro 2024 qualification.
The French superstar helped himself to a brace in a 4-0 hammering of Holland and he also notched in both Group B wins against Gibraltar and Greece.
Granted, the only blot on Mbappe's copybook thus far was failing to net against the Republic of Ireland during the reverse fixture, however the France forward can right that wrong on Thursday night.
Stephen Kenny's side have failed to keep their opponents out in seven of their last nine matches, with their only defensive successes coming against lesser lights Gibraltar and Malta, which doesn't augur well ahead of a trip to the French capital.
With that in mind, coupled with the fact that this bet would have paid out in three of Les Bleus' opening four group games, siding with the same play in Paris on Thursday night holds appeal at 4/5 (Bet 365).
Given that Nathan Collins could be operating in the same vicinity as the aforementioned Mbappe, I'll also back the Republic of Ireland defender to pick up a card at 4/1 (UniBet).
The Brentford centre-half is not exactly renowned for being a card magnet but he should have his hands full here given that Mbappe's electric pace is notorious for causing defenders all sorts of problems.
This Euro 2024 match between France and Republic of Ireland will be played on Sep 7, 2023 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best France vs Republic of Ireland prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.