Portugal and Ireland meet at Estádio José Alvalade in a key Group F game, as both nations battle for World Cup qualification.
The match, scheduled for a 19:45 kick off, will be the tenth meeting between the two nations and is one that Ireland desperately need a result from after finding themselves bottom of the group after two games.
Best bets and predictions
Ireland enter this game as heavy underdogs, with Portugal expected to claim all three points, continuing their 100% record in Group F. We’re confident in backing Portugal to get the win but we think Ireland could spring a surprise and get their names on the scoresheet.
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Result/Both Teams to Score – Portugal/Yes | 9/4 @ Bet365 (30.8%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Portugal come into the game off the back of five wins in a row, beating the likes of Germany, Spain and Hungary on the way. They’ve managed to score 18 goals in those five games but have conceded seven, showing they are vulnerable at the back. Ireland have scored in four of their last five games, with both teams scoring in all of those encounters. It’s the same story for Portugal, who have seen both teams scoring in four of their last five matches. |
| HT: Portugal FT: Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo: 2+ Shots on Target and Bruno Fernandes: 2+ Shots on Target | 6/1 @ Bet365 (14.3%) | ⭐⭐ | Portugal should be the dominant side in this encounter and we can see them taking an early lead as well as coming out of the match with all three points. Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo have been key players for Portugal in recent times, with Fernandes scoring 25 goals in 82 appearances and Ronaldo finding the net 141 times and both players should be key in leading their country to a win here. |
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How both teams head into Portugal vs Ireland
Portugal enter this contest off the back of five wins in a row and they currently top Group F. Those wins have been impressive, with victories over Denmark, Germany, Spain, Armenia and Hungary and saw Portugal score 18 times. Despite these wins, Portugal have shown weaknesses at the back, conceding seven times, and they’ll have to be careful not to slip up in this encounter and risk their position at the top of the group.
Ireland are without a win in four and come into this game bottom of Group F. They were defeated by Armenia last time out, ending a run of three straight draws in a row. One of those draws was an impressive point against Hungary but that remains their only point in the group, thus far. Goals haven’t been a problem for Ireland in recent games, scoring six times but have conceded the same amount, highlighting their problems in seeing off games.
World Cup qualifying standings
| Team (Group F) | Pos | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 2 | +6 | 6 |
| Team (Group F) | Pos | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ireland | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 1 |
Portugal team news
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to earn his 224th cap for his nation while there is significant English interest within the squad, with Jose Sa, Ruben Dias, Diogo Dalot, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Palhinha, Matheus Nunes and Pedro Neto all included in Roberto Martinez’s squad.
Ireland team news
Seamus Coleman could win his 74th Irish cap if he features in this contest. There are only three players within the squad that play their football outside of the British Isles, with Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Evan Ferguson (Roma) and Festy Ebosele (Basaksehir) playing on the continent.
Head to head: Last 5 meetings
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 11/06/2024 | Portugal 3-0 Ireland | Friendly |
| 11/11/2021 | Ireland 0-0 Portugal | World Cup qualifying |
| 01/09/2021 | Portugal 2-1 Ireland | World Cup qualifying |
| 11/06/2014 | Portugal 5-1 Ireland | Friendly |
| 09/02/2005 | Ireland 1-0 Portugal | Friendly |
Conclusion
Portugal should have too much strength in this one to come away with anything other than a victory, although with Ireland in good form in front of goal, they may not have it all their own way. Our top tip for this contest is to back Portugal to win and both teams to score at 9/4 with Bet365.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.