Enda Stevens has his work cut-out with Ousmane Dembele, who looks in the mood tonight.

The PSG winger keeps taking him down the line and on this occasion breezes past the Stoke City wing-back, with John Egan forced to stab away his cross.

Ray Houghton
Former Republic of Ireland midfielder on RTE

There's so much space to play the ball out wide to the wing-backs. Enda Stevens is holding his position out on the left and exactly the same with Brown on the right, there's no one really wanting to go out and mark them if you pass the ball a bit quicker.

A worry for the Republic at the moment with Enda Stevens down and requiring treatment after a surging run forward.

He is moving a little gingerly as he comes on but seems able to continue.

Olivier Giroud hobbles off with what appears to be an ankle problem to be replaced by Marcus Thuram, who will now lead the line.

Image source, Inpho

The Republic will need to steady the ship in the next few minutes as they look vulnerable at the moment, with France waltzing forward at ease.

Adrian Rabiot's strike from outside the area is blocked by John Egan, with the same player then involved in a tussle with Olivier Giroud.

Theo Hernandez whipped in a teasing ball, with Egan ushering Giroud out of the way before he could get on the end of it.

Ray Houghton
Former Republic of Ireland midfielder on RTE

That's a world class finish from Tchouameni. The angle that he's at, you're wondering how he can get it into the far corner with the pace that he did. He gave Gavin Bazunu no chance what so ever. The pace from a standing position is absolutely exquisite. There's nothing anyone could do to stop that. That is world class.

Image source, Inpho

Gavin Bazunu didn't know much about that, but he makes an insticntive save with his chest to stop Antoine Griezmann's free-kick delivery from finding a blue shirt.

Preventing free-kicks in those sort of areas with someone of Griezmann's quality standing over them, is crucial for the Republic tonight, and that was an early warning sign.

Chiedozie Ogbene gives a glimpse of his pace, bursting past Adrian Rabiot, before delivering a low cross which Mike Maignan deals with.

He will be key to the Republic's attacking threat this evening.

Image source, Inpho

Ray Houghton
Former Republic of Ireland midfielder on RTE

France are a quality team and have been for a number of years. Deschamps has got so much out of this French side. They have a conveyor belt of players coming through, they obviously have a great academy system.

Image source, Inpho

As expected, the Republic have gone with five defenders, whose primary task this evening will be to contain a potent France attack.

Adam Idah leads the line alongside Chiedozie Ogbene. Jason Knight supports them when the Republic go forward as the most advanced midfielder.

John Egan produces a great block to deny Olivier Giroud's shot from troubling Gavin Bazunu.

From the resulting corner from Antoine Griezmann, there is a half-chance for Kylian Mbappe, who hooks over the crossbar after Adam Idah's half clearance fell to him.

Adrian Rabiot has time and space outside the area, but his low strike is an easy take for Gavin Bazunu.

Straight from kick-off the Republic, playing in their white away kit, pour forward. Chiedozie Ogbene is clipped by Adrian Rabiot and the Republic have a free-kick in a promising position.

It comes to nothing in the end, but it was a signal of their attacking intent.

Ray Houghton
Former Republic of Ireland midfielder on RTE

This is the biggest challenge of them all. Ireland are playing against one in the best teams in world football. They're a proven side and they are top of the group for a reason. They have not conceded a goal in their four games that they have played so far.

France won't undermine Ireland, they'll know they're in for a real game after the game at the Aviva where they just about got over the line.

Adam Idah gets us underway in this must-win game for the Republic of Ireland in Paris.

The teams come out to a grand show including fireworks at a packed Parc des Princes. The Republic of Ireland will be hopeful for an equally entertaining performance this evening.

Time for the national anthems.

Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny, speaking to FAI TV:

"It's a huge challenge tonight against France at the Parc des Princes but it's also a huge opportunity and the players are really looking forward to the game, they are ready for it.

"[We have] tremendous away support all the time, great passion. I think the player have been written off for this game. People think we have no chance but they are in there getting ready now and they are determined to put in a strong performance.

"I think it was a tight game in the Aviva in March, there wasn't much in the game and we came out the wrong side of it but we'll go again and be ready."

French captain Kylian Mbappe has been involved in 15 goals in his last 10 starts for France (12 goals, 3 assists).

He has yet to register a goal or assist against the Republic though and Stephen Kenny will hope it stays that way...

Image source, Getty Images