Ireland take on Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal at the Aviva Stadium tonight looking to keep their very slim hopes of a first World Cup appearance since 2002 alive.
By the time the two countries kick off in Dublin, Ireland will know the task at hand with Hungary's game in Armenia taking place earlier in the day.
Heimir Hallgrímsson's side currently sit in third place, two points behind the Hungarians, with four games played. Their campaign has been hugely uneven with their only win coming against 10-men Armenia at home following a loss in Yerevan that was a new low point in two decades of decline.
Their best performance came in the reverse fixture against Portugal when Caoimhin Kelleher saved a penalty from Ronaldo only for Ruben Neves to pop up with a last-gasp winner to break Irish hearts.
Portugal will qualify for the World Cup with a win but can the Boys in Green pull off a minor miracle and keep their own dream on track? AllSportsPeople brings you this betting preview complete with the latest tips and odds ahead of this huge clash.
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Ireland vs. Portugal preview: Can the hosts upset the odds?
Even if Ireland were bang in form coming into this game, they would be rank outsiders against the might of the Nations League champions.
That is simply not the case with this likely to be Hallgrímsson's final home game unless a miracle can take place tonight and on Sunday when they travel to Hungary for their final group game.
Will qualification still be on the line by then? It will depend on the Hungarians' result in Armenia but anything but an away win in Dublin would be a major surprise.
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Head-to-Head: Ireland vs. Portugal
- The two countries have met on 17 previous occasions with their first clash taking place in 1946.
- Portugal have dominated, winning 10 games to Ireland's four.
- Ireland's last win came at the old Lansdowne Road in February 2005.
Ireland vs. Portugal: Form Guide
Ireland – Last 5 Matches (All Competitions)
- Ireland 1-0 Armenia (World Cup qualifier)
- Portugal 1-0 Ireland (World Cup qualifier)
- Armenia 2-1 Ireland (World Cup qualifier)
- Ireland 2-2 Hungary (World Cup qualifier)
- Luxembourg 0-0 Ireland (friendly)
Portugal – Last 5 Matches (All Competitions)
- Portugal 2-2 Armenia (World Cup qualifier)
- Portugal 1-0 Ireland (World Cup qualifier)
- Hungary 2-3 Portugal (World Cup qualifier)
- Armenia 0-5 Portugal (World Cup qualifier)
- Portugal 2-2 Spain (5-3 to Portugal on penalties) Nations League final
Ireland vs. Portugal Score Prediction
Portugal know that a point will seal qualification for next summer's tournament with a game to spare and they should be able to get the job done. Ireland will likely prove a stubborn opponent but the massive difference in quality should ultimately prove decisive.
We're tipping Ireland to score but Portugal to come out on top.
Prediction: Ireland 1-2 Portugal (8.70 with Dafabet)
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Ireland vs. Portugal Team News
Ireland Team News
- The big news for Ireland is the absence of Evan Ferguson, who has been ruled out of their two qualifiers this week with an ankle injury.
- To add to their woes, both Ryan Manning and Jayson Molumby are suspended for the clash in Dublin.
- Troy Parrott is set to start up top with the AZ Alkmaar striker in top form so far this season.
Portugal Team News
- On the other hand, Portugal have no major injury concerns with Roberto Martinez having a world class squad to choose from.
- Cristiano Ronaldo will start up front and he will be determined to make up for his penalty miss in Lisbon last month.
Ireland vs. Portugal Lineups: Predicted starting XI's
This is how we think these two sides will lineup tonight with Jack Taylor, Josh Cullen, Chiedozie Ogbene and Troy Parrott all coming in for the hosts, while Portugal name yet another star-studded XI.
Ireland predicted lineup to play Portugal
(3-4-3) Kelleher (GK) — O'Brien, Collins, O'Shea — Coleman, Taylor, Cullen, Ebosele — Ogbene, Azaz, Parrott
Portugal predicted lineup to play Ireland
(4-3-3) Costa (GK) — Semedo, Dias, Inacio, Cancelo — Fernandes, Neves, Vitinha — Silva, Ronaldo, Neto
Ireland vs. Portugal betting odds
- Ireland to Win: 9.50 with Dafabet
- Portugal to Win: 1.35
- Draw: 5.20
How to watch Ireland vs. Portugal: Live stream, TV channel
Here's all the key information on how to watch Ireland vs. Portugal tonight.
- Date: Friday, November 14
- Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
- Time: 1:15 a.m.
- TV/Stream: Sony LIV