Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny says he is aware that many people don't fancy his side's chances tonight and he, "understands why" ahead of tonight's daunting game against.

Read more of his pre-match thoughts here.

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Matt Gault
BBC Sport NI

Image source, Inpho

This is set to be a critical few days for Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny.

Lose to France and the Netherlands and the Republic's chances of qualifying for next year's Euros will be as good as dead, ramping up the pressure on the already embattled Dubliner.

During Wednesday's pre-match news conference, Kenny rather admirably sidestepped the chance to bemoan his bad luck after losing rising star Evan Ferguson to injury, only a few days after the 18-year-old scored a hat-trick for Brighton against Newcastle.

But having already lost to France and Greece in this qualifying series, Kenny knows sympathy will not be forthcoming if his players fail to deliver over the next two games - even if the strength of the opposition is exceptionally high.

In March, the Republic pushed France hard in Dublin. They lost 1-0, ultimately, but the manner in which the Irish players rattled Les Bleus - only to be thwarted by goalkeeper Mike Maignan's shot-stopping wizardry - suggests Kenny's side have it in them to become heroes in the French capital this evening.

But they will need to put in their best performance of the Kenny era, and while Kenny doesn't like to talk about luck, they'll probably need a bit of that too.

Republic of Ireland fans young and old have been soaking up the sun in the French capital ahead of this evening's game.

Image source, Inpho

Image source, Inpho

Given France's form, this is a massively daunting assignment for the Republic of Ireland.

The World Cup finalists have had a a flawless record thus far in qualifying, and are yet to concede a goal.

After beating the Republic at the Aviva Stadium they have recorded 4-0, 3-0, and 1-0 wins against the Netherlands, Gibraltar, and Greece respectively.

Didier Deschamps' side have lost just one of their last 23 European Championship qualifying matches, a 2-0 away defeat at Turkey in June 2019. Their last home defeat was against Belarus in September 2010.

It is an ominous sign for the Republic who will want to avoid a 'catastrophe' in Paris.

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A knee injury has forced the Republic's newest hero Evan Ferguson out of both tonight's game and Sunday's fixture against the Netherlands.

It is a cruel blow for both the Brighton forward and Stephen Kenny, with the in-form striker having scored a hat-trick against Newcastle at the weekend.

He was expected to spearhead the Irish attack in the next two games, but that baton (the English version of course) will have to be passed on.

Kenny's options are limited, although he has been able to welcome Luton's Chiedozie Ogbene back following his own injury problems.

Attackers Troy Parrott, Michael Obafemi, Callum Robinson, and Mikey Johnston are also unavailable to Kenny.

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Last time these two sides played each other in March in the Republic's opening game of their Euro 2024 campaign in Dublin, a wonder stop from Mike Maignan prevented Nathan Collins from snatching a famous late point.

The Republic managed to contain France, and in particular Kylian Mbappe for large spells of the game.

Benjamin Pavard scored what proved to be the winner for Les Bleus early in the second-half with an unbelievable strike into the top corner from 20 yards.

Can the Republic enact their revenge this evening?

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Stephen Kenny has made six changes to the side that defeated Gibraltar 3-0 in their last qualifier in June.

Two of those are enforced, with Evan Ferguson and Michael Obafemi out injured.

They are replaced by Adam Idah and the returning Chiedozie Ogbene.

There is a change in the centre of defence with Dara O'Shea dropping to the bench to be replaced by Shane Duffy, who is back in the squad for the first time since September 2022.

Enda Stevens, Jason Molumby and Alan Browne are also preferred to James McClean, Jamie McGrath and Will Smallbone.

France have made four alterations from their narrow 1-0 victory against Greece, with Luis Hernandez replacing the injured Ibrahima Konate.

Eduardo Camavinga, Kingsley Coman and Randal Kolo Muani all drop out, in come Adrian Rabiot, Ousmane Dembele and Olivier Giroud.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

With the Stade de France in use for the Rugby World Cup, tonight's game takes place at PSG's impressive Parc des Princes stadium.

The stadium has a capacity of over 45,000 with over 1,700 Republic of Ireland supporters making the journey and hoping to make themselves heard.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Nathan Collins insists the Republic of Ireland are ready to rise to the challenge of facing France in Paris.

"I honestly feel we have the quality in the squad to go and hurt them and get something from the game," said Collins.

Read more of his thoughts here.

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Good evening and welcome to our live text commentary of the first of a tough double-header of Euro 2024 qualifiers for the Republic of Ireland as they take on France in Paris.

With the Republic having only picked up one win so far, you feel they will need to win both their games against Les Bleus and the Netherlands on Sunday or they will be waving 'au revoir' to their hopes of qualifying for next year's tournament.

Can the Republic pull off a massive result? Stay with us to find out.

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