Euro 2024 - Day 8 Prediction: Slovakia to march on

Day eight in Germany sees the Netherlands and France lock horns in Group D, as both sides look to build from opening victories over Poland and Austria, respectively.

Les Bleus are sweating over the fitness of Kylian Mbappe, who broke his nose in the first group game, and his potential absence would be a huge boost to Oranje's chances of success.

Poland and Austria go in search of their first wins at 17:00, while the 14:00 game will see Slovakia face Ukraine in Group E.

Tip 1 - Slovakia v Ukraine - Slovakia to win @ 11/4

Slovakia caused a huge upset when beating Belgium 1-0 in their Group E opener and that has given the Falcons a good platform to build from, with victory against Ukraine guaranteeing them a place in the next round.

That is a huge incentive for Francesco Calzona's side, who failed to get out of the group three years ago, and they head into Friday's contest on a three-game winning streak.

What has been notable about those three wins is the defensive performances, with clean sheets kept in all of them, and another strong rearguard display can see them past Ukraine.

The Blue and Yellow were disappointing in their 3-0 defeat to Romania, a second loss in their last three matches, and they are in big danger of exiting the tournament early if they don't respond quickly.

But there are too many question marks over Serhiy Rebrov's side and Slovakia look capable of claiming the win that will book their place in the last-16 stage.

Tip 2 - Poland v Austria - Jakub Kiwior to score @ 29/1

This is a difficult one to call in Group D, as Poland battled hard against the Netherlands in their opener only to suffer late heartache in the 2-1 defeat and Austria put in a great deal of effort in the 1-0 loss to France.

Those results put a lot of pressure on this fixture and it would be no surprise to see a tight encounter between the pair, who know another mistake will put them closer to an early exit.

With little to separate the two nations, it is hard to pick a winner and the focus, therefore, is on the anytime goalscorer market and Polish defender Jakub Kiwior is one to look out for.

The Arsenal defender was part of a back-three against the Dutch but that didn't stop him from getting forward and he managed two shots on target, both coming inside the area.

Kiwior was twice denied by good stops from Bart Verbruggen and, on another day, it could have been a different story for the Poland star.

With the 6ft 2in 24-year-old also posing a threat at set-pieces, he provides value to get on the scoresheet.

Tip 3 - Netherlands v France - Netherlands to win @ 5/2

The final match of the day at 20:00 is the standout contest and it promises to be a cracker between the Netherlands and France, two attacking teams that play free-flowing football.

Les Bleus overcame Austria 1-0 in their opener, a solid enough start, but the big blow was the broken nose suffered by Mbappe and his participation here is in serious jeopardy.

Mbappe has been chief tormentor in the last two meetings against the Dutch, scoring braces in both matches, so his possible absence will be welcomed by the Netherlands.

While France have plenty of talent in their squad, not having the Paris Saint-Germain ace could have a huge impact and, for that reason, the Netherlands are fancied to get the win.

It was not a vintage display from Oranje against Poland, as they had to come from 1-0 down to triumph 2-1, but they showed great desire to keep pressing and the pressure eventually told.

There is plenty of pace in this Dutch team with the likes of Cody Gakpo, Memphis Depay and Xavi Simons, while there is quality on the bench in the shape of Wout Weghorst, Jeremie Frimpong and Donyell Malen.

It won't be an easy task for Ronald Koeman's troops but this looks to be as good a chance as ever to get the better of France, who will be hoping for positive news regarding Mbappe's fitness for the rest of the tournament.