With both teams anchored at the bottom of Group F, Ireland and Armenia meet in a must-win qualifier at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, where anything less than victory could prove fatal to their respective World Cup ambitions.
Keep close tabs on our World Cup predictions after viewing our key Ireland vs Armenia tips below.
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Ireland vs Armenia prediction: Boys in Green to beat Havakakan
Key stats
- Ireland are on a five-match winless streak, including two friendlies.
- The Boys in Green are undefeated in four straight home fixtures.
- Armenia haven’t won in four successive matches away from home.
- Havakakan are without a clean sheet in 34 consecutive games.
Correct score prediction: Ireland 2-1 Armenia
Ireland's hopes of reaching a first World Cup since 2002 hang by a thread after failing to win any of their opening three qualifiers. Despite a valiant effort against Portugal, where Caoimhin Kelleher’s late heroics nearly secured a point, Ruben Neves’ stoppage-time winner condemned the Boys in Green to a fifth consecutive match without triumph.
They now face an Armenia side full of confidence after a 2-1 win in the reverse fixture, with the Havakakan themselves eyeing a push for second place in Group F, currently occupied by Hungary who beat them 2-0 last matchday. While this promises to be a tightly contested affair, Ireland’s desperation and home advantage should see them edge a narrow victory at the Aviva Stadium.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Everything points towards an Ireland victory
- HOME: 4/9 (1.44) = 69.4%
- DRAW: 16/5 (4.20) = 23.8%
- AWAY: 11/2 (6.50) = 15.3%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Ireland are in desperate need of a first victory in six matches if they are to keep their hopes of qualification alive. They are backed by 4/9 (1.44) odds, suggesting a 69.4% chance of success on home turf.
As the lowest-ranked nation in the group, Armenia have odds of 11/2 (6.50) stacked against them. Nevertheless, a first-ever World Cup appearance is still within reach for the visitors, who have a 15.3% win probability rate assigned to them.
Visit our football betting tips page for more free predictions.
Most recent H2Hs: Irish supremacy
Armenia won the reverse fixture 2-1 against Ireland last month – only their second-ever H2H win. Ireland have won three other H2Hs, with no draw yet between them.
UEFA Nations League B 27/09/22
Rep of Ireland
Armenia
UEFA Nations League 04/06/22
Armenia
Rep of Ireland
Ireland preview: Strong favourites
Josh Cullen is suspended through an accumulation of yellow cards, while Festy Ebosele picked up an injury against Portugal last matchday.
Predicted lineup: Kelleher (GK), O'Brien, Collins, O'Shea, Coleman, Smallbone, Molumby, Manning, Ogbene, Johnston & Parrott
Last five matches:
- Portugal 1-0 Ireland (World Cup Qualifiers)
- Hungary 2-3 Portugal (World Cup Qualifiers)
- Armenia 0-5 Portugal (World Cup Qualifiers)
- Portugal 2-2 Spain (5-3 on penalties) (UEFA Nations League)
- Germany 1-2 Portugal (UEFA Nations League)
Armenia preview: Clear underdogs
Yegishe Melikyan is expected to travel to Dublin with a fully-fit squad.
Predicted lineup: Avagyan (GK), Muradyan, Harutyunyan, Piloyan, Hovhannisyan, Iwu, Spertsyan, Tiknizyan, Serobyan, Barseghyan & Zelarayan
Last five matches:
- Hungary 2-0 Armenia (World Cup Qualifiers)
- Hungary 2-3 Portugal (World Cup Qualifiers)
- Ireland 2-2 Hungary (World Cup Qualifiers)
- Azerbaijan 1-2 Hungary (International Friendly)
- Hungary 0-2 Sweden (International Friendly)
Player to watch: Eduard Spertsyan
Spertsyan netted Armenia’s opener in the reverse 2-1 victory last month with a deft penalty strike. While the Krasnodar midfielder was less than effective in the 2-0 defeat to Hungary, he assisted in his club’s recent victory against Akhmat Grozny in the Russian Premier League. He should be the one to connect the Havakakan’s midfield and forward line as they look to hurt the Irish backline.