The 2016 European Championship hosts are heading towards the last 16 match with Republic of Ireland eager to improve their showings following a goalless draw against Switzerland in the final match of the group stage.

Les Bleus have shown great determination and grit to beat the Swiss team, but even a point from the third game at the competition was enough to see Didier Deschamp’s men progress as group A winners.

Another clean sheet for the hosts is the most positive thing from the draw as France tested their newly built defence line. Doubts remain, however, regarding the France’s chances in the knockout stages as there is still some clicking into places needed for hosts who are trying to defy the strong gulf of pressure to win the competition hitting them in the chest.

France is unlikely to change the team for the last 16 match against the Republic of Ireland with Juventus star Paul Pogba leading the way in this star-studded team. French midfielder is having a great tournament continuing his excellent form from the last season.

He was the most prominent performer agaist Switzerland, unlucky at times to blast into the net.

Olivier Giroud could return to the starting line-up for the upcoming event, while French public will be delighted to find out that Antoine Griezmann has signed a contract extension with Atletico Madrid and that he will be fully focused on the game having ended speculation regarding his future.

That being said we see great value in betting on Atletico Madrid striker to open the scoring against Ireland at the odds of 5.75 (19/4) @BetVictor.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Lloris – Sagna, Rami, Koscielny, Evra – Sissoko, Cabaye, Pogba – Coman, Giroud, Griezmann.

Martin O’Neill’s Republic of Ireland have finished group stage of the Euro 2016 in incredible fashion as they have managed to defeat the mighty Azzurri thanks to a dramatic late winner from Robbie Brady.

Ireland knew only victory would secure a place in the knockouts and fought bravely to see a breakthrough with five minutes on the clock.

Brady’s winner sparked a mass celebration which included players, bench and supporters at the stadium Pierre Mauroy after this historic success achieved by the Boys in Green.

Ireland go through as one of the best third-placed sides, throwing Turkey out of the equation in the process. Martin O’Neill’s side now face a stern task against tournament’s hosts, but the Boys in Green and their amazing fans will not back down under a challenge.

Ireland are looking at 1.45 (9/20) @Bet365 betting odds to upset hosts in their last 16 encounter.

Martin O’Neill is expected to keep most of his team in place with the exception of Wes Hoolahan, who is likely to restore his place in the starting line-up. McGeady is pushing for a start as well and he could be given a run in from the off.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-1-1): Randolph – Coleman, Duffy, Keogh, Ward – Hendrick, McClean, Hoolahan, Brady – McGeady – Long.