Armenia will take on Ireland in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, 9 September, in a huge match for the visitors in their pursuit of a place at the tournament next summer.
While Armenia will likely already be resigned to their fate, Ireland's hopes of qualifying are very much alive following their 2-2 draw with Hungary at the weekend.
Heimir Hallgrimsson's men will believe they are in a straight shootout with Hungary for second place in Group F, so taking maximum points from their two matches against Armenia, the weakest team in the group, is necessary.
As part of this week's round of World Cup qualifying betting tips, check out our Armenia vs Ireland prediction below.
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Armenia vs Ireland prediction: The visitors to scrape a win
Key Stats
- Ireland have only won one away match by two goals or more in the past four years.
- Armenia haven't scored a goal in any of their last four home matches.
- Ireland have kept a clean sheet in their last two away matches against teams ranked lower than them.
Correct score prediction: Armenia 0-1 Ireland
It's unlikely to be pretty, it rarely is when Ireland are involved, but the Boys in Green should walk away with three points here and finish the September international break with a healthy return of four points from two matches played. Armenia were demolished 5-0 at the weekend, and have next to no confidence at this moment in time.
Pre-game odds and win probability: The hosts start as favourites
- HOME: 16/5 (4.20) – 23.8%
- DRAW: 5/2 (3.50) – 28.6%
- AWAY: 17/20 (1.85) – 54.1%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Armenia vs Ireland odds suggest that anything other than an Ireland victory would be a surprise on Tuesday night. Ladbrokes have made the visitors the odds-on favourites, giving them a 54.1% chance of winning the match, while Armenia have been given a 23.8% chance of victory.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Honours even
The two most recent clashes between Armenia and Ireland were in 2022 as part of the UEFA Nations League. Both sides enjoyed victories over the other in their respective home ties, with Armenia winning 1-0 in Yerevan before Ireland won 3-2 in Dublin. Prior to that, the teams hadn't met since 2011.
UEFA Nations League B 27/09/22
Rep of Ireland
Armenia
UEFA Nations League 04/06/22
Armenia
Rep of Ireland
Armenia preview: Could there be changes?
Armenia took quite the battering at the hands of Portugal on Saturday, but they would surely have been expecting that, given the quality of their opponents. It's unlikely they will change too much, as it was the strongest available XI that took to the field on Saturday.
Predicted lineup: Avagyan (GK), Hovhannisyan, Harutyunyan, Muradyan, Piloyan, Bichakhchyan, Zelarayan, Iwu, Tiknizyan, Barseghyan, Spertsyan
Last five matches
- Armenia 0-5 Portugal
- Montenegro 2-2 Armenia
- Kosovo 5-2 Armenia
- Georgia 6-1 Armenia
- Armenia 0-3 Georgia
Ireland preview: Idah to start?
Adam Idah was the hero in Dublin at the weekend, after the Swansea striker came off the bench to score a stoppage-time equaliser against Hungary. That strike could see him get a start on Tuesday night, especially as Ireland can afford to be more expansive against a team ranked 105th in the world.
Predicted lineup: Kelleher (GK), O'Brien, O'Shea, Collins, Doherty, Cullen, Szmodics, Knight, Azaz, Ferguson, Idah
Last five matches
- Ireland 2-2 Hungary
- Luxembourg 0-0 Ireland
- Ireland 1-1 Senegal
- Ireland 2-1 Bulgaria
- Bulgaria 1-2 Ireland
Player to watch: Adam Idah
Adam Idah's time at Celtic may have come to an end last month, but the new Swansea man showed Brendan Rodgers what he is missing at the weekend when he proved that his knack for scoring important goals is still there. Idah came off the bench to equalise in the dying minutes of the match against Hungary and will want to build on that on Tuesday night.