Belgium vs. Republic of Ireland Betting Odds Preview, Euro 2016 Prediction

Belgium will try to avoid a fourth straight shutout loss at the Euro and resurrect their fading chances of advancing to the knockout stage when they take on Ireland on Saturday as a minus-125 betting favorite at sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark.

Ireland will look to end a six-game winless streak against Belgium, as they enter the match as a heavy underdog on the Euro 2016 odds.

Match Odds: Belgium -125, Republic of Ireland +390, Draw +245 (matchup report)

Belgium will aim to bounce back from their stunning 2-0 loss to Italy in their Euro 2016 group stage opener. The loss to Italy extended the squad's record of futility at the tournament, dropping them to 0-0-3 in their past three outings and just 2-0-5 in seven tournament clashes ahead of Saturday afternoon's matchup at Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux.

With a goal differential of minus-two, the Belgians need to tally a victory at some point during group stage action to increase their chances of advancing to the Euro knockout stage for the first time since 1980.

Les Diables Rouges held the edge in possession and dangerous attacks against Italy, but the Azzurri proved more effective at finding the target, handing Belgium their third straight 2-0 loss at the Euro.

Belgium were a force in Euro 2016 qualifying, scoring 24 goals in seven wins to finish atop their group, but they have struggled recently, winning just two of their past five games.

Ireland last earned a victory at the Euro in their tournament debut back in 1988 but would be poised to advance to the knockout stage for the first time with a victory over Belgium.

The Irish have struggled in recent months, blowing their chance to finish second in their group with a 2-1 loss to Poland in their final Euro 2016 qualifying matchup. That kicked off their current 2-4-2 stretch of mediocrity, which includes a disappointing 2-1 loss in a pre-tournament clash with Belarus on home turf.

A win for Ireland would also be historic, marking the Green Army's first triumph over Belgium since picking up a 3-2 decision in a May 1966 friendly and just their second victory in 11 meetings since 1930.

While Ireland have surrendered six total goals during their current four-match losing streak, they have otherwise demonstrated strong defense, holding opponents scoreless in seven of their previous 10 games including five clean-sheet victories.

Prediction: 1-1 draw

All betting lines data courtesy of Odds Shark. Check out the latest Euro 2016 news.