Verdict: Cristiano Ronaldo to score the opening goal
Best Odds: 12/5
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Looking to extend on their 100% start to proceedings, Portugal will welcome Ireland to Lisbon on Saturday night.
Portugal
Starting with the hosts, last seen mounting a dramatic comeback as they clinched a rollercoaster 3-2 victory away at Hungary, Portugal have come flying out of the traps since opening their World Cup qualifying adventure. Securing a famous second Nations League title back on June 8th as they edged past reigning European champions Spain thanks to a stunning penalty shootout victory in Munich, Roberto Martinez’s men are rightfully installed as a landslide contender to cruise their way to top spot in the Group F standings. Getting their qualifying campaign underway with a routine 5-0 romp against Armenia last month, Portugal will simply be looking to lay down another marker here. Suffering just a single competitive defeat within 90 minuets since last summer’s European Championships adventure, the former Belgium boss has also seen his side gain a fearsome reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third.
Portugal Team News
Martinez has welcomed back the trio of Nelson Semedo, Matheus Nunes and Rafael Leao back to his squad this month. However, dealing with yet another injury issue, PSG star Nuno Tavares will not play any part this month.
Set to lead out Martinez’s men on Saturday night and earn a 224th international cap in Lisbon, five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo will spearhead Portugal’s charge. Making an immediate impact after completing a loan switch from Bayern Munich, Tottenham midfielder Joao Palhinha could start in the middle of the park.
Ireland
As for the visitors, while Ireland might have eventually clung to their second-tier Nations League status earlier in the year, Hemir Hallgrimsson’s side have drastically failed to find their feet since opening up their respective World Cup qualifying campaign. Last seen missing out on what they had billed as a potential opportunity as they slumped to a 2-1 defeat away at Armenia, the Greens have put just a sole point on the board from their first two Group F appearances and they travel over to Lisbon on Saturday night sat rock-bottom of the table. Hit with a routine 3-0 drumming when they travelled to Portugal last summer for a friendly showdown, Ireland will be bracing themselves for another monumental challenge here. Recording just a pair of clean sheets from any of their previous 15 competitive appearances, Hallgrimsson’s leaky defence will be asked some serious questions.
Ireland Team News
Watching Hallgrimsson make a string of public alterations this month, the likes of Troy Parrott, John Egan and Everton skipper Seamus Coleman have been handed a recall. However, in what was a shock omission, West Brom’s Jayson Molumby has been vocal about his frustration over missing out.
Completing a permanent switch to Brentford over the summer, ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher will start between the sticks in Lisbon. Dealing with respective injury issues, the duo of Jason Knight and Bosun Lawal will miss out this month.
Portugal vs Ireland Key Factors to Consider
- When Ireland travelled to Portugal for a friendly showdown in June 2024, Saturday’s hosts collected a routine 3-0 victory.
- Portugal have won their opening two World Cup qualifying appearances by an aggregate score of 8-3.
- Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo has recorded three goals in his opening two qualifying appearances.
- Ireland have mustered just a pair of clean sheets from any of their previous 15 competitive appearances across all competitions.
- Portugal have recorded 17 goals in their last five matchups across all formats.
Conclusion
Clinching a second Nations League crown back in June, Portugal are certainly firing on all cylinders. Winning their opening two World Cup qualifying appearances by an aggregate score of 8-2, the former European champions have also gained a reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third. Landing what was a routine 3-0 victory when they welcomed Ireland to Aveiro for a friendly showdown last summer, Martinez’s superstar squad will be confident of making another statement here.
Verdict: Cristiano Ronaldo to score the opening goal
Best Odds: 12/5
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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