FRANNCE will be looking to make it two wins from two in Euro 2024 qualification when they meet the Republic of Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on Monday night.
Didier Deschamps' side showed no signs of a World Cup hangover when dishing out a 4-0 drubbing to the Netherlands on Friday night, in a game that brought up a couple of our man Kevin Mac's picks.
That was a real statement of intent from Les Bleus who have swiftly moved to occupy top spot in the section.
Next up for the French is a trip to Dublin where they will come up against a Republic of Ireland side whose last appearance at the Euro was back in 2016.
This fixture will represent the Boys in Green's opening bout in Group B where they will also come against Netherlands, Greece and Gibraltar.
Stephine Kenny's side warmed up for their curtain-raiser with a far from convincing 3-2 friendly win over Latvia on Wednesday night.
Outright Betting
Republic of Ireland, who have not lost a home match in Euro qualifying games since 2010, head into this game as 7/1 (William Hill) underdogs while the draw is an unfancied 17/5 (BetVictor).
France haven't lost to Ireland in over three decades and that trend is expected to continue here, with the star-studded visitors trading as short priced 4/9 (William Hill) favourites.
Betting Angles
France are far too short to side with at the above-mentioned price but backing Kylian Mbappe to make the net bulge looks like an eye-catching alternative at 21/20 (Bet 365).
Mbappe was France's chief tormentor during Les Bleus' run to the 2022 World Cup final as he racked up eight goals in seven games, including a hattrick in the final against Argentina which earned him highly sought after prize that is the World Cup Golden Boot,
What's more , the French megastar picked up where he left off upon his return to the international stage on Friday night as he helped himself to a brace in the aforementioned 4-0 hammering of Holland.
That victory means that France have failed to score in just three of their last 34 matches, which doesn't augur well for an Ireland side that are not accustomed to keeping clean sheets.
Stephen Kenny's crew have only managed to keep the back door shut in two of their last seven competitive contests in the Irish capital, not to mention Latvia landed two strikes in their exhibition encounter with Ireland in midweek.
With all this in mind, backing Mbappe to get on the scoresheet at 21/20 (Bet 365) against a fairly workmanlike Republic of Ireland squad makes plenty of appeal.
Given that Matt Doherty could be given the thankless task of trying to shackle Mbappe, I'll also back the Ireland defender to go into the book at 9/2 (BetVictor).
The Atletico Madrid man is not exactly renowned for being a card magnet 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 Republic of Ireland and France will be played on Mar 27, 2023 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Republic of Ireland vs France prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
