The Republic of Ireland take on Armenia in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday evening. The game kicks off at 7:45pm at the Aviva Stadium, and defeat for either side would be a killer blow to their hopes of qualifying for the tournament in North America next summer. Find our match preview and best bets below.
Best bets and predictions
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Both teams to score | 5/4 @ SBK (44.4%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Armenia’s ongoing defensive troubles can’t be ignored — they’ve failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last 34 matches across all competitions. History doesn’t favour them much in Dublin either, with Ireland winning the previous two home meetings, both of which saw goals at either end. While Armenia have shown flashes of attacking intent and should have enough quality to test the Irish defence, their leaky backline makes it difficult to picture an upset at the Aviva. With both sides under pressure to get a result, both teams to score looks like the standout value bet in this one. |
| Evan Ferguson to Score | 31/20 @ BetMGM (39.2%) | ⭐⭐ | Evan Ferguson found his way onto the scoresheet when these nations last met in Armenia back in September, and the young forward will be eager to repeat the feat on Tuesday night. Now 20 and gaining valuable experience on loan at Roma from West Ham, Ferguson has already notched seven goals in just 25 caps for Ireland. His physical presence, intelligent movement, and sharp finishing make him a constant threat in and around the box. With confidence high and Armenia’s defence far from reliable, Ferguson looks a strong shout to add another goal to his growing international record. |
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How both teams go into the Republic of Ireland vs Armenia
Ireland may have earned plaudits for their spirited display in Lisbon, but the reality is stark as they sit bottom of Group F with just one point from three matches and no wins to their name.
Even victory at the Aviva on Tuesday might not be enough to keep their World Cup hopes alive if Portugal see off Hungary, though a playoff spot remains a realistic target. To keep that dream alive, however, the Boys in Green must snap a five-game winless streak that includes a defeat to Armenia earlier in the campaign.
Armenia’s lone highlight in qualifying so far was their shock 2-1 win over Ireland last month, with those being their only points in a campaign otherwise marked by heavy defeats. The Havakakan were thrashed 5-0 by Portugal in their opener and then fell 2-0 to Hungary, conceding twice after the break in Budapest.
New boss Eghishe Melikyan, appointed in August, has struggled to find consistency, and his side now sit third in Group F. Anything less than a win in Dublin, especially if Portugal beats Hungary, would all but end Armenia’s faint hopes of challenging for top spot.
Republic of Ireland team news
Josh Cullen will miss out for the hosts after an accumulation of bookings, with Will Smallbone or Jack Taylor is expected to slot into midfield.
Armenia team news
Amernia are heading into this game with a clean bill of health and no new withdrawals to report on. Eghishe Melikyan is expected to name the same side as he did for the 2-0 defeat to Hungary on Saturday.
Head-to-head: Last 5 meetings
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 09/09/2025 | Armenia vs Republic of Ireland | European Championship qualifier |
| 27/09/2022 | Republic of Ireland 3-2 Armenia | Nations League |
| 04/06/2022 | Armenia 1-0 Republic of Ireland | Nations League |
| 11/10/2011 | Republic of Ireland 2-1 Armenia | European Championship qualifier |
| 03/09/2010 | Armenia 0-1 Republic of Ireland | European Championship qualifier |
Conclusion
Armenia have only won two of their last 11 internationals, but with one of those being against the Republic of Ireland, this looks a little tricky to predict the result. However, with both teams needing a result, both teams to score represents a value play at the odds-against price of 6/5.