The Republic of Ireland will lock horns with France this Thursday in Group B with the hope of keeping their dream of qualifying for Euro 2024 alive.
France are one of the four European clubs boasting a 100% record after four rounds of fixture. They have already beaten each Group B member to sit pretty at the summit with 12 points. Though, all the victories have been not too convincing, including two slender 1-0 wins over Greece and the Republic of Ireland.
A win over the latter in France tonight would edge them closer to qualifying as group winners and boast a solid record against their opponents.
Les Bleus have not lost to Ireland in their last seven encounters. Since suffering a defeat to Croatia on home soil, Deschamps’s men have won three clashes at home without conceding. They have also not lost in their last 11 encounters against Ireland at home.
Two defeats and a win from three Group B have left the Republic of Ireland fighting for their fate. They will aim to stay relevant in qualifying for Euro 2024, but Stephen Kenny’s side must show character and churn results.
There are still five games to go, including two against sleeping giants the Netherlands, who have only played two matches in this group. For Ireland to stand a chance to qualify, they must fight to win their remaining games, at least the ones against the Netherlands and Greece, who face each other on Thursday.
In truth, it is a tough task for Kenny’s men, but they will head to France seeking revenge for the reverse fixture in Dublin. Back then, they suffered a narrow defeat to Les Bleus. Now, the Irish will want to put in a solid performance that will revive their qualifying campaign and give them momentum ahead of some tough games.
Didier Deschamps will have various options to call upon, and some key absentees will only matter a little for the France boss. Chief among those is Ibrahima Konate, who has been their preferred centre-back alongside Dayot Upamecano. In his place, in-form Arsenal star William Saliba could start, although Jean-Clair Todibo was also called up to the national team cam
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