Portugal have started qualification very well as they push towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup next summer, continuing with the visit of the Republic of Ireland this weekend.
With eight goals scored and two conceded, Portugal began UEFA qualification for the World Cup well last month after winning their second UEFA Nations League trophy in Germany over the summer.
Ireland and Irish international football appears to be back at a low ebb with the Boys in Green following a 2-2 draw against Hungary - involving a stirring comeback - with a 2-1 loss to Armenia in Yerevan.
The Sporting News brings you the latest tips and odds as Portugal and captain Cristiano Ronaldo seek to move closer to North America next summer against a very average and under pressure Ireland side.
Portugal vs. Ireland: Can the Irish contain Ronaldo?
In the past, Ireland have been able to be difficult to play against and beat against Portugal but there is pressure growing on manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, formerly of Iceland and Jamaica.
Roberto Martinez is blessed with a simply ridiculous team that should be targeting Portugal’s first ever FIFA World Cup after winning three pieces of silverware in the last decade.
Portugal have the potential to blow pretty much any team they play away with their squad depth and quality and, as much as Ireland try to be defensive, Portugal should win comfortably.
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Head-to-Head: Portugal vs. Ireland
- In the 16 meetings between these sides, Portugal have won nine with Ireland coming out on top on four occasions, with three draws.
- The most recent outing between these two sides saw Portugal dispatch of Ireland 3-0 in an international friendly last year.
- Portugal are now unbeaten in four matches against Ireland since a 1-0 win for the Irish at Lansdowne Road in February 2005.
Portugal vs. Ireland: Form Guide
Portugal – Last 5 Matches (All Competitions)
- Hungary 2-3 Portugal (WCQ)
- Armenia 0-5 Portugal (WCQ)
- Portugal 2-2 Spain, 5-3 win on pens (UNL F)
- Germany 1-2 Portugal (UNL SF)
- Portugal 5-2 Denmark AET (UNL QF)
Ireland – Last 5 Matches (All Competitions)
- Armenia 2-1 Ireland (WCQ)
- Ireland 2-2 Hungary (WCQ)
- Luxembourg 0-0 Ireland (Friendly)
- Ireland 1-1 Senegal (Friendly)
- Ireland 2-1 Bulgaria (UNL P/R PO)
Portugal vs. Ireland Score Prediction
It is Portugal’s first home game since the tragic death of Diogo Jota over the summer and so there will be a lot of emotion at Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon. Portugal have been brilliant in the last 12-18 months or so, while Ireland have been very much the opposite, so a heavy and comfortable home win is to be expected in the Portuguese capital city.
Prediction: Portugal 3-0 Ireland (11/2 with Sky Bet)
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Portugal vs. Ireland Team News
Portugal Team News
- Joao Cancelo returned to the national team last month and was excellent but the Al Hilal full-back is now once again unavailable for the hosts this week due to injury.
- As well as the absence of Cancelo, the Portuguese are without the excellent Joao Neves due to an injury withdrawal so Ruben Neves and Joao Palhinha have a fight on their hands to get in alongside Vitinha.
- Cristiano Ronaldo is in the squad for the Portuguese as the Al Nassr forward gets set to try and add to his staggering 141 goals scored from 223 caps.
Ireland Team News
- Ahead of their trip to Portugal, Ireland have endured their own injury withdrawals as Callum O’Dowda has pulled out, with fellow defenders Matty Doherty and Jimmy Dunne both seemingly injured.
- Jason Knight is another notable omission for Hallgrimsson, alongside Ipswich Town attacker Sammie Szmodics, who has returned to full fitness.
- With seven goals in 24 caps, Evan Ferguson is looking to continue a bright start to his international career after a strong start to life at Roma.
Portugal vs. Ireland Predicted Lineups
Here’s how we think the two teams will line up for this World Cup qualifying clash.
Portugal predicted lineup to play Ireland
Portugal (4-2-3-1)
Costa (GK) – Diogo Dalot, Dias, A. Silva, Mendes – Vitinha, R. Neves – B. Silva, Fernandes, Leao – Cristiano Ronaldo
Out: Cancelo, J. Neves
Doubtful: None
Ireland predicted lineup to play Portugal
Ireland (3-5-2)
Kelleher (GK) – O’Brien, O’Shea, Collins – Coleman, Cullen, Molumby, Smallbone, Manning – Ferguson, Johnston
Out: Dunne, Doherty, O’Dowda, Knight
Doubtful: None
Portugal vs. Ireland Betting Odds
- Portugal to win (1/6 with SpreadEx)
- Draw (186/25 with Betfair)
- Ireland to win (22/1 with Bet365)
Bet Builder Tips: Portugal vs. Ireland
Our bet builder for this game features Portugal to win, Cristiano Ronaldo to have two or more shots on target, Josh Cullen to commit three or more fouls, Portugal to have over 5.5 corners, Portugal to win with a -2 handicap and that combination comes to 14.17/1 with Sky Bet.
You can use our bet builder tool below to create your own selections and find the best available odds for this World Cup qualifying clash.
How to watch: Portugal vs. Ireland Live stream, TV channel
Here’s all the key information on how to watch Portugal vs. Ireland:
- Date: Saturday, October 11
- Venue: Estadio Jose Alvalade, Lisbon, Portugal
- Time: 7:45 p.m.
- TV/Stream: Amazon Prime