Verdict: Portugal win & Under 4.5 goals
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Looking to wrap up top spot in Group F on Thursday night, Portugal will travel to Dublin when they meet Ireland.
Ireland
Starting with the hosts, while Ireland might have claimed an essential boost last time out as they clinched a 1-0 victory at home against Armenia, the Greens have an almighty battle on their hands in the race to book a major tournament return. Putting just four points on the board in as many World Cup qualifying appearances, Heimir Hallgrimsson’s men have continued to show some real issues. Suffering last-gasp heartbreak when they travelled to Lisbon on October 11th as they eventually fell to a 1-0 defeat, Ireland have claimed just a single win from any of their previous six appearances across all competitions. Despite clinging to their second-tier Nations League status back in March as they secured a 4-2 aggregate win against Bulgaria, Thursday’s hosts will be bracing themselves for a monumental challenge in Dublin.
Ireland Team News
Enduring a frustrating time after arriving from Brighton on a season-long loan switch, Roma striker Even Ferguson is dealing with a recent ankle issue and will not feature over the next fortnight. Despite making just a pair of Premier League appearances this season, Everton skipper Seamus Coleman has been included in Hallgrimsson’s squad.
Notching six goals in his first seven Eredivisie appearances for Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar, ex-Tottenham youngster Troy Parrott will lead the line in Dublin. Making a permanent summer switch from Liverpool, Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher will start between the sticks and earn a 28th-cap.
Portugal
As for the visitors, although Portugal might have been left frustrated last time out as they eventually had to settle for a 2-2 stalemate at home against Hungary, Roberto Martinez’s men are cruising their way to next summer’s World Cup. Getting their qualifying campaign underway with a dominant 5-0 romp away at Armenia on September 6th, the Navigators have registered 10 points from their first four Group F appearances. Crowned Nations League champions for a second time back in June as they edged past reigning European champions Spain, Portugal are certainly enjoying life under the former Belgium boss. Despite recording just a pair of clean sheets from any of their previous 10 appearances across all competitions, Thursday’s guests have gained a fearsome reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third. Suffering just a single competitive defeat since their EURO 24 exit last summer, Portugal should be excited by a trip to Dublin here.
Portugal Team News
In what is a real blow for Portugal this month, PSG defender Nuno Mendes will play no part after sustaining a knee injury against Bayern Munich on November 4th. However, despite missing out last month, PSG teammate Joao Neves has been handed a recall and will travel to Dublin on Thursday night.
Notching nine Saudi Pro League strikes in his first eight domestic appearances this season, five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo will lead Portugal out and earn a record-breaking 226th international cap. Manchester City ace Matheus Nunes could once again be deployed at right-back.
Ireland vs Portugal Key Factors to Consider
- When Ireland and Portugal met for their reverse Group F showdown on September 6th, Martinez’s men claimed a last-gasp 1-0 victory on home soil.
- Portugal have registered 10 points from their first four World Cup qualifying appearances.
- Ireland have registered just a single win from any of their previous six appearances across all competitions.
- The Greens have registered just a pair of competitive clean sheets in Dublin since back in June 2023.
- Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo has recorded five goals in his first four Group F appearances this year.
Conclusion
Knowing that they can officially punch their World Cup ticket on Thursday night, Portugal will be excited by a trip to Dublin here. Continuing to impress since their Nations League success back in June, Martinez’s men are rightfully installed as a standout contender in midweek. Gaining a reputation for their clinical performances in the final third, Portugal have also suffered just a single competitive defeat since their EURO 24 exit last summer. Landing a last-gasp 1-0 win when they welcomed Ireland to Lisbon for their reverse meeting on September 6th, we are expecting a similar away victory.
Verdict: Portugal win & Under 4.5 goals
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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