Monday’s Euro 2024 Qualifying Predictions: Rangnick's Austria too strong for Estonia

Football expert Greg Lea has analysed Monday’s Euro 2024 qualifiers and come up with his best bet in five of the matches, including Republic of Ireland’s clash with France. 

Austria v Estonia

Kick-off: 7.45pm Monday 

Austria made a confident start to their campaign on Friday when they thrashed Azerbaijan 4-1 in Linz. Ralf Rangnick’s side will now be looking to make it two wins from two in Group F, where they will be competing with Sweden and Belgium for a top-two finish.

Austria were disappointing in the 2022/23 edition of the Nations League and they suffered relegation from League A after losing five of their six games. But the team morale will be boosted further if they can get the better of Estonia on Monday.

This should be a reasonably straightforward assignment for the home team, who scored in both halves against Azerbaijan and will probably do so again here.

Prediction: Austria to score in both halves @ 1.8 

Hungary v Bulgaria 

Kick-off: 7.45pm Monday

Hungary has had a good few years on the continental stage. They gave a fine account of themselves at Euro 2020 despite being drawn in the group of death alongside France, Germany and Portugal. 

They then came close to qualifying for the Nations League Finals, finishing just a point behind Group A3 winners Italy and ahead of England and Germany. They will now be looking to qualify for their third consecutive European Championship.

Hungary beat Estonia 1-0 in their last game and another clean sheet should be well within their grasp against Bulgaria, who went down by the same scoreline to Montenegro on Friday.

Prediction: Hungary to win to nil @ 1.9

Montenegro v Serbia

Kick-off: 7.45pm Monday

These two countries competed together as Serbia and Montenegro between 2003 and 2006 before going their separate ways. This will only be the third head-to-head clash between the pair, with Serbia looking to make it three wins from three.

Aleksander Mitrovic: Serbian striker can get on the scoresheet against Montenegro

They will be reasonably confident of maintaining their unbeaten record after brushing aside Lithuania in a 2-0 win last week. Serbia played some excellent attacking football at World Cup 2022 but were somewhat let down by a lack of defensive organisation.

However, they will not alter their approach in this campaign, so Monday’s match in Podgorica should be an entertaining affair. 

Prediction: Over 2.5 goals @ 2.24 

Republic of Ireland v France 

Kick-off: 7.45pm Monday

The Republic of Ireland face an uphill battle to qualify for Euro 2024 with France, Netherlands and Greece proving tough opponents in Group B. Only the top two will proceed to the tournament in Germany, so Ireland will need to pull off a few upsets if they are to make it.

A home game against France is a particularly tricky way to begin their campaign but, with the in-form Evan Ferguson leading the line, Ireland could breach the backline of the World Cup runners-up.

Olivier Giroud: down the pecking order to start up front for France on Monday

Nevertheless, Didier Deschamps’ squad should prove too strong for their hosts at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. 

Prediction: France to win and Both teams to score @ 3.85

Poland v Albania

Kick-off: 7.45pm Monday 

A 3-1 loss to Czech Republic on Friday means Poland are already playing catch-up in Group E. They will still fancy their chances of qualifying for the European Championship in a group which also includes Albania, Moldova and the Faroe Islands, but they cannot afford another slip-up on Monday. 

Albania are potentially tough opponents, however, and Poland will not have everything their own way in Warsaw. Goals at both ends is a distinct possibility in this one.

Prediction: Both teams to score @ 2.38

Sunday’s 2024 Euro Qualifying Predictions

Austria v Estonia: Austria to score in both halves @ 1.8
Hungary v Bulgaria: Hungary to win to nil @ 1.9
Montenegro v Serbia: Over 2.5 goals @ 2.24
Ireland v France: France to win and Both teams to score @ 3.85
Poland v Albania: Both teams to score @ 2.38