While Europe’s elite domestic leagues might have only just opened up their respective 2023/24 campaigns, we once again find ourselves at the heart of another international break.
With all of the attention now turning to the latest round of European Championship qualifying fixtures, all of the continent’s heavy hitters will be looking to make another statement and get one step closer to booking their ticket for Germany.
Watching things get back underway on Thursday as the likes of France and the Netherlands steal centre stage, neutrals are treated to a string of intriguing affairs.
Ahead of what could be a pivotal night of qualifying fixtures, there are also a string of eye-catching betting markets that can potentially offer a great return for your Thursday flutter.
With that in mind, we have taken an in-depth look at a few of Thursday’s standout qualifying fixtures and some of the possible markets that you should be keeping an eye out for.
France vs Ireland
Group – Group B
Time – 19:45
Location – Parc des Princes, Paris
Suffering infamous World Cup final heartbreak out in Qatar over the winter as they eventually fell to a penalties defeat at the hands of Argentina, many were wondering if France would show any signs of a hangover when they opened up their European Championship qualifying adventure earlier in the year.
However, embarking on what has been a traditional qualifying romp, Les Bleus are unsurprisingly breezing their way towards top spot in Group B without breaking much of a sweat.
Signing off June’s international break with a gritty 1-0 victory when they welcomed Greece to the French capital, Didier Deschamps’ superstar squad have won each of their first four Group B appearances.
Likewise, along with attacking talisman Kylian Mbappe already notching five Ligue 1 strikes since opening up the 2023/24 campaign, France have also gained a reputation for their continued qualifying success at the back.
Yet to ship a single strike from their four Group B victories this year, Les Bleus will be looking to make another statement when they return to the Parc des Princes.
Although Ireland might have been last seen signing off June’s qualifying break with a much-needed 3-0 victory at home against Gibraltar, Thursday’s guests face a real uphill battle in their bid to punch a famous EURO 2024 ticket.
Likewise, showing some extended issues on the road and with just a single win from any of their previous five away fixtures, Stephen Kenny’s men should also be worried by a nightmare record against the former world champions.
Suffering a 1-0 loss when they welcomed France to Dublin for their opening Group B showdown on March 27th, it should also be noted that the Greens have won just one of their last nine meetings against France – a run that stems back to March 1977.
France vs Ireland – Best Betting Markets
- France to win to nil @ 21/20 with 1xBet
- France win & Under 4.5 goals @ 3/5 BetUS
- Kylian Mbappe to score anytime @ 19/20 with Pribet
Netherlands vs Greece
Group – Group B
Time – 19:45
Location – Philips Stadion, Eindhoven
While the Netherlands might have gained a string of plaudits during their eye-catching rise under Louis van Gaal last year, it is no secret that the European giants have struggled to find any kind of stability since they welcomed Ronald Koeman back to the hot seat.
Putting in a pair of nightmare Nations League performances during June’s international break as they suffered respective 3-2 and 4-2 defeats against Italy and Croatia, it appears there is already mounting pressure on the one-time Barcelona boss.
Likewise, opening up their European Championship qualifying adventure with a woeful 4-0 drumming at the hands of France on March 24th, some in Holland’s camp are starting to fear that their squad could be set for another Group B nightmare.
Losing four of their previous five appearances across all competitions continuing on from their World Cup quarter-final exit against Argentina over the winter, Holland know that they face a crucial affair on Thursday night.
On the flip side, while Greece might have opened their own qualifying campaign tipped as an underdog pick to claim a top-two finish in Group B, Gus Poyet’s men are riding a recent wave of momentum.
Winning two of their opening three qualifying appearances and looking to spring a heavyweight upset here, the National should also be excited by their most recent showdown against Thursday’s hosts.
In fact, when the two sides last met back in 2016 for a friendly battle at the Philips Stadion, Greece picked up a shock 2-1 victory and they will certainly be looking to produce a display here.
Netherlands vs Greece – Best Betting Markets
- Over 1.5 goals @ 4/11 with Olympusbet
- Both teams to score @ 1/1 with Dachbet
- Xavi Simons to score anytime @ 21/10 with Luckster
Czech Republic vs Albania
Group – Group E
Time – 19:45
Location – Fortuna Arena, Prague
Missing out on the chance to book their World Cup ticket for Qatar last winter, it is no secret that the Czech Republic have their sights firmly set on punching a return to the major tournament stage this time around.
Signing off their June international break with what was a routine 4-1 romp away at Montenegro in a friendly showdown, Jaroslav Silhavy’s side should find the mood in their camp at a recent high.
Likewise, last seen in Group E action putting in another action-packed performance as they landed a 3-0 victory against the Faroe Islands on foreign soil, the Reds have mustered seven points from their first three qualifying appearances.
In fact, opening their European Championship qualifying adventure with a famous 3-1 win at home against Poland on March 24th, Thursday’s hosts now find themselves tipped as the leading contender to claim top spot in Group E.
However, while the Czechs might be enjoying their longest unbeaten run over the past two years, Silhavy’s men will meet an Albania squad who have also gained plenty of praise during their respective qualifying campaign.
Although the Eagles might have been in the midst of an extended struggle when signing off 2022, Sylvinho’s side certainly came roaring back during June’s international break.
Clinching back-to-back Group E victories against the Faroe Islands and Moldova by an aggregate score of 5-1, some in Albania’s camp are even dreaming of the chance to mount a genuine top-two charge this year.
With the Czech Republic landing a 3-1 win when Albania travelled to Prague for a friendly showdown back in June 2021, neutrals could be treated to a defining qualifying battle here.
Czech Republic vs Albania – Best Betting Markets
- Czech Republic win @ 4/6 with Vegas Land
- Over 1.5 goals @ 2/5 with BetUS
- Goal to be scored in both halves @ 19/20 with Olympusbet
You can also visit our betting promotions section for the latest enhanced odds promos, accumulator bonuses and more.
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