International Predictions October 2023: Four picks for friendlies and EURO 2024 qualifiers

Top-flight club football is on a hiatus until 21st October, with international friendlies and EURO 2024 qualifiers taking precedence.

During this break, we'll have a number of predictions for you involving the host nations and any other major matches, ending with these four fixtures on the 16th and 17th October:

Gibraltar vs Ireland

• Monday 16th October, 7:45pm, Viaplay Sports 1

Ireland's EURO 2024 hopes were crushed on Friday when Greece took maximum points in Dublin. Only three points separate these two at the foot of Group B - thanks to Ireland's 3-0 win over Gibraltar back in June. The Irish can double their tally on Monday evening with a very routine but ultimately worthless victory on Spain's south coast.

Luke Hamilton's Prediction: Gibraltar 0-2 Ireland

England vs Italy

• Tuesday 17th October, 7:45pm, Channel 4

A much changed England were hardly at their best in a narrow 1-0 win over Australia, however, Gareth Southgate will be expected to field his strongest line-up against Italy at Wembley as England look to take a step closer to Euro 2024. The Three Lions have accrued 13 points from 15 in Group C, which includes a 2-1 win in Italy. Tuesday’s return fixture will be another tightly contested one, and I’m backing the hosts to once again take the spoils.

Jack Kitson's Prediction: England 2-1 Italy

Northern Ireland vs Slovenia

• Tuesday 17th October, 7:45pm, Viaplay Sports 2

Both teams come here off the back of morale boosting 3-0 victories, but Slovenia definitely faced the stiffer task in stuffing Finland while Northern Ireland beat perennial whipping boys San Marino. Before this game, Northern Ireland were in a slump, losing three on the spin, and although any win is good when on a run of form like that, I'm not convinced beating San Marino means all is well. Slovenia, on the other hand, are in a rich vein of form and confidence must be high in camp. There is a doubt over their talisman Benjamin Sesko, but if he is fit he can inspire them to an away win here and pile more misery on Northern Ireland.

Billy Grimshaw's Prediction: Northern Ireland 0-2 Slovenia

France vs Scotland

• Tuesday 17th October, 7:45pm, Viaplay Sports 1

Both Scotland and France secured their place at Euro 2024 over the weekend. The pair meet in a friendly on Tuesday that will take place in Lille’s stadium in the North East of the country, with both managers expected to give some of their younger players a run out. There is no denying that Les Blues’ second-string have the quality to cause Scotland real problems and although we can’t envisage this one being a thriller, the hosts should have the edge.

Anthony Eadson's Prediction: France 2-0 Scotland