France v Republic of Ireland predictions for Thursday’s Euro 2024 qualifier. Les Bleus have been impressive in recent games and are coming into this clash on the back of a solid 1-0 win over Greece. Can they get another three points against the Irish? Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Match Live Thursday, 7th September at 7:45 pm In:
France vs Republic of Ireland Predictions
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Can Ireland Upset the Formidable French?
Key Stats
– Ireland’s central defenders have combined for an impressive xG of 1.24 over three games.
– Kylian Mbappé has scored a staggering seven goals in his last five international appearances.
Last time in Dublin, a tense face-off took place between these two European sides. France managed a narrow 1-0 victory with Benjamin Pavard’s decisive strike. Yet, Republic of Ireland, under Stephen Kenny’s guidance, showcased a commendable effort, challenging the World Cup winners of 2018 intensely. Their stats – eight corners and 11 shots resulting in an expected goals (xG) value of 0.67 – unfortunately didn’t convert to goals.
Current Group B Dynamics
The Republic’s recent encounters have been a mixed bag with a loss in Athens but a win against Gibraltar. This situates the Boys in Green in third position in Group B. They’re now neck-and-neck with the Dutch, their upcoming opponents. As for France, they’ve been flawless, amassing maximum points in their four matches. However, their path hasn’t been as smooth as the scoreboards suggest.
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In a surprising revelation, despite France’s apparent defensive solidity, they’ve allowed an xGA (expected goals against) of 2.47 throughout their campaign, a statistic that questions their clean sheet count.
Key Players and Tactics
Ireland’s strength lies in set pieces, an area where they could potentially puncture the French defence. Throughout the qualifiers, their central defenders have been notably active, registering 11 shots in three matches, with an impressive xG of 1.24. The spotlight shines on Nathan Collins, who, besides his scoring endeavour against Greece, has consistently threatened the opposition. Similarly, Dara O’Shea has clocked four shots in just two appearances.
On the French side, with the 2024 European Championship qualifications, several players have made their mark. Kylian Mbappé stands out, not just for his exemplary BettingTips4You Expert Rating of 7.78 but also for his goal tally. However, notable mentions must be given to Mike Maignan and Benjamin Pavard.
Injury updates bring mixed news. Lucas Hernandez makes a return after his Qatar World Cup injury, but Paul Pogba is sidelined. Ireland’s John Egan is also doubtful following an injury during a club match.
Predictions
1. Match Outcome: France to Win to Nil
France’s performance in the recent past, especially during the Euro 2024 qualifiers, has been exceptional. The Les Bleus have managed to keep a clean sheet in all of their matches, showcasing a defensive prowess that many teams find hard to break. Ireland, although spirited in their approach, struggled to find the back of the net in their last encounter with France, resulting in a 1-0 loss. Even though the Republic of Ireland mounted pressure on the 2018 World champions, their efforts bore no fruit.
Furthermore, France’s exceptional ball possession of 62.5% and an impressive average rating of 7.20 (BettingTips4You Expert Rating) means they dominate the game in most areas, leaving very little room for their opponents to exploit. This dominance and their consistent track record in not conceding goals makes it likely for them to win without letting in any goals against Ireland.
2. Correct Score Prediction: France 2, Republic of Ireland 0
Digging deeper into the statistics, France boasts an average of 2.3 goals scored per match during their Euro 2024 qualifiers. They have a plethora of attacking talent at their disposal, with the likes of Kylian Mbappé, who’s in remarkable form, having netted seven times in his last five appearances for the national side. Contrastingly, the Republic of Ireland have shown defensive grit by not conceding more than two goals in a single match since March 2021. However, they will be up against a French side that has a penchant for unlocking even the staunchest of defences.
Given the combination of France’s attacking power and Ireland’s defensive resilience, a 2-0 scoreline in favour of the home side seems a plausible outcome. It reflects both the attacking prowess of Les Bleus and the commendable defensive record of the Boys in Green.
3. Goalscorer Prediction: Kylian Mbappé
Kylian Mbappé has been nothing short of sensational for France. His late miss in the World Cup final does little to overshadow his overall contribution, where he finished as the tournament’s top scorer. Since then, his form has shown no signs of slowing down. In the Euro 2024 qualifiers alone, he’s managed to find the net four times.
Further adding to his credentials is his stellar start to the club season with PSG, where he’s scored five goals in just three appearances. The stage at the Parc des Princes is one he’s familiar with, and given his current form, he is poised to add to his tally of 40 international goals. Given the data at hand and Mbappé’s current form, it’s a strong possibility that he’ll find himself on the scoresheet when France face the Republic of Ireland.
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