Portugal will take on Ireland in a World Cup qualifier on Friday, 11 October, in a match that feels more significant for the visitors.
After two rounds of fixtures in Group F, Portugal are sitting pretty at the top with maximum points, while Ireland are floundering at the bottom with one point.
If the Irish are to keep their fading hopes alive, they will have to take something away from this match.
As part of this week's round of World Cup qualifying betting tips, check out our Portugal vs Ireland prediction below.
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Portugal vs Ireland prediction: A tough night ahead for the visitors
Key Stats
- Portugal have scored 21 goals across their last six home matches (3.5 goals per game).
- Ireland have conceded ten goals across their last three matches against teams ranked inside the world's top ten.
- Cristiano Ronaldo has scored six goals in his last five appearances for Portugal
Correct score prediction: Portugal 3-1 Ireland
Ireland's squad is significantly inferior to Portugal's and that alone should be enough to see Roberto Martínez's team cruise to an easy win on Friday night.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Ireland given little chance
- HOME: 2/13 (1.15) – 86.7%
- DRAW: 6/1 (7.00) – 14.3%
- AWAY: 20/1 (21.00) – 4.8%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Portugal vs Ireland odds are weighted strongly in favour of the home team, which shouldn't come as any surprise. Ladbrokes have given Portugal an 86.7% chance of winning the match on Friday, while Ireland have been given just a 4.8% chance of securing a famous victory.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Advantage Portugal
These two nations have faced each other three times over the past four years, and Portugal have gone unbeaten across the three. It hasn't been entire dominance, however, as Ireland did manage to hold them to 0-0 draw in a World Cup qualifier back in November 2011.
International Match 11/06/24
Portugal
Rep of Ireland
Europe - World Cup Qualifying 11/11/21
Rep of Ireland
Portugal
Europe - World Cup Qualifying 01/09/21
Portugal
Rep of Ireland
International Match 11/06/14
Portugal
Rep of Ireland
Portugal preview: Midfield dynamo is missing
Portugal will line up without PSG midfielder Joao Neves, but fortunately for Roberto Martinez, he is spoilt for choice in the middle of the park. Full-back Joao Cancelo is also missing due to a hamstring injury, but the familiar faces of Bruno Fernandes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva are all available.
Predicted lineup: Costa (GK), Dalot, Dias, Inacio, Mendes, Vitinha, Bernardo, Fernandes, Conceicao, Ronaldo, Neto
Last five results
- Hungary 2-3 Portugal
- Armenia 0-5 Portugal
- Portugal 2-2 Spain
- Germany 1-2 Portugal
- Portugal 3-2 Denmark
Ireland preview: Parrott returns
Troy Parrott is back in what is undoubtedly a big boost for Ireland this week, but that is where the good news ends. Jason Knight, Matt Doherty, Bosun Lawal, Sammie Szmodics and Callum O'Dowda are all unavailable for selection due to a variety of injuries.
Predicted lineup: Kelleher (GK), O'Brien, O'Shea, Collins, Ogbene, Knight, Cullen, Manning, Taylor, Parrott, Ferguson
Last five results
- Armenia 2-1 Ireland
- Ireland 2-2 Hungary
- Luxembourg 0-0 Ireland
- Ireland 1-1 Senegal
- Ireland 2-1 Bulgaria
Player to watch: Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes is still adapting to an unfamiliar role at club level, but the 31-year-old will return to his usual position as a number ten this week. Fernandes is one of the most creative players in world football, so expect a strong performance from him on Friday night, and one that could perhaps force Ruben Amorim into a rethink.