Euro 2016: France vs Republic of Ireland Betting Preview

Kick off: Sunday, June 26, 2:00 PM GMT

Venue: Parc Olympique Lyonnais (Decines-Charpieu)

Head to head record

France vs Republic of Ireland 1-1 (2010 World Cup qualifiers)
Republic of Ireland vs France 0-1 (2010 World Cup qualifiers)
Republic of Ireland vs France 0-1 (2006 World Cup qualifiers)
France vs Republic of Ireland 0-0 (2006 World Cup qualifiers)
Republic of Ireland vs France 0-0 (1989 Friendly International)

France vs Republic of Ireland prediction

Having shared the spoils with Switzerland in their final group game, France will be looking to give their fans some cheer when they take on Republic of Ireland in the Euro 2016 last 16. Les Tricolores are desperate to book a place in the quarter-finals, but they need to take Sunday’s clash very seriously.

Results are better than performances

France recorded a hard-fought win over Romania in the opening match of their Euro 2016 campaign and les Tricolores were more than fortunate to beat Albania in their second group game. Didier Deschamps scored two late goals in the victory over Gianni De Biasi’s troops and thanks to a goalless draw with Switzerland the hosts cemented top position in Group A. France are regarded as favourites to beat Republic of Ireland in the last 16 and there is every chance coach Didier Deschamps is going to field the best possible side against the Boys in Green. Dmitri Payet was rested against Switzerland and he is widely expected to return to the starting line-up. The Premier League ace should be deployed up front in the 4-3-3 formation, alongside Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud, who scored in the 2-1 win over Romania.

Sissoko impressed against Switzerland and he could keep his place in the starting line-up. Dmitri Payet and Olivier Giroud both return to the starting XI. Coach Didier Deschamps has no fresh injury worries ahead of the game.

Big win over Italy

Despite being regarded as underdogs in Wednesday’s clash against Italy, Republic of Ireland did remarkably well to shock the Azzurri and book their place in the knockout stages. The Boys in Green are high on confidence ahead of the France game, but you should bear in mind that Italy coach Antonio Conte rested a number of first-team regulars in the final group game against Martin O’Neill’s troops. Republic of Ireland have nothing to lose in Sunday’s showdown against France and, no doubt, they will leave their hearts on the field. Southampton attacker Shane Long has been playing below expectations at the Euro 2016 finals, but he is widely expected to lead the line for the Boys in Green against France. Anyhow, Martin O’Neill’s men are likely to adopt a defence-minded approach against France, but preventing Antoine Griezmann and Co. from scoring is easier said than done.

Stephen Ward is doubtful and he will be monitored ahead of the kick off. Jonathan Walters is facing the race against clock to be fit for the France game.

Interesting facts

• Ireland and France meet for the first time ever at Euro finals
• Under 2.5 goals were scored in last five meetings between the two teams
• Boys in Green recorded only one win in last eight game at Euro finals
• Under 3.5 goals were scored in France’s last eight matches at Euro finals
• Paul Pogba has netted five goals for the French national team

France vs Republic of Ireland betting pick

France coach Didier Deschamps rested several first-team regulars against Switzerland, but the likes of Olivier Giroud and Dmitri Payet return to the starting line-up and the duo is likely to prove a handful for Ireland defenders. The Boys in Green did defeat Italy in their final group game, but I believe that they will have a much bigger fish to fry in Sunday’s match against les Tricolores.

Pick: France/France

Odds: 6/5