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Portugal enter matchday three from UEFA World Cup qualifiers Group F sitting proudly atop an interesting pool. The locals boast a 100% record from two starts, and aim to stretch that to a perfect three when hosting the Republic of Ireland in Lisbon. Roberto Martinez's crew are favourites to win, but Heimir Hallgrimsson's Boys in Green have a point to prove.
Ireland arrive sitting bottom of the pool after claiming just one of the six points available. They opened with a battling draw against Hungary, but fell to a painful 2-1 defeat in Armenia last time. The visitors know a win would catapult them back into the running, but appreciate that no Irish side has ever left Portugal with three points. Will that drought end here?
Experienced football betting writer Frank Monkhouse analyses the stats and trends available on the Flaschscore app before settling on his big-match predictions. He brings readers up to speed on the head-to-head scores, the recent form of both teams, the most interesting betting markets, and the standout odds. Keep reading for his Portugal vs Ireland preview.
Portugal vs Ireland tips
Over 2.5 goals @ 8/13 (bet365)
Portugal -1 handicap @ 4/6 (bet365)
Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
Hosts sitting pretty in pole
Portugal started the campaign as the firm favourites with bookmakers, fans, and football pundits to advance as winners of the group. They are also one of the early fancies to challenge for the title in the United States next summer. Is this the beginning of Portugal blazing a trail of glory to becoming world champions? They've certainly started in the correct manner, winning their opening two games.
Portugal got their campaign off to a flyer when hammering Armenia 5-0 on the road in matchday one. Ronaldo scored a brace in that match, and his efforts were matched by teammate Felix, who also hit a double. The spare goal was credited to Canecelo, who made it five near the end. Portugal had things easy against the Armenians, but were made to work for the three points by Hungary. Lusos won by the odd goal in five on matchday two, thanks to goals from Silva, Ronaldo and Cancelo.
Given their form heading into this match, we're going to keep things simple and back Portugal to win for our first bet. You can back the locals as a single, but the odds make this bet best suited to your accumulators. Support Portugal, and the final score and goalscorers aren't important. A 1-0 home win pays the same as a 3-2 victory, with the winner coming in the final seconds of play.
Tip: Portugal win @ 2/9 (bet365)
Bet explanation: If Portugal beats Ireland, you secure the profits.
Bet on goals in Lisbon
Our second bet for Saturday evening is on Portugal v Republic of Ireland to produce more than two goals. The stats suggest we'll get a run for our money, with over 2.5 goals landing when these nations last crossed paths in June 2024. The same bet would've landed you a profit in three of the previous four, with Portugal winning 5-1, 2-1, and 3-0. That trend is strong enough to catch our eye, and I'm happy to take a chance on over 2.5 goals again.
We already know Portugal's previous two games in the group have produced ten goals, with Ronaldo and co scoring eight and conceding two. Let's now shine the spotlight on the form of their opponents. The Republic of Ireland opened with a four-goal draw with Hungary in Dublin last month. They were 2-0 down inside the opening 15 minutes and still trailed by a couple at the break. Ferguson got one back soon after the restart, before Hungary had goalscorer Sallai sent off. ROI managed a point thanks to a late goal from Idah.
After showing their fighting spirit to claim a draw against a decent side in the Hungarians, Ireland travelled to Armenia with high hopes. Many expected them to win and move onto four points, but Ireland slipped to a hurtful 2-1 defeat on the road. That means a bet on over 2.5 goals would've landed in Portugal's first two group games, and that's also true of Ireland. We're hoping for more of the same.
Tip: Over 2.5 goals @ 8/13 (bet365)
Bet explanation: You need three or more goals scored by both teams combined. A 3-0 home win is the same as a 2-1 away win.
Take the favourites on the handicap
Looking for a bet at higher odds, you can try as a single? We're taking a chance on the home team winning -1 goal on the handicap. With this approach, we're hoping Portugal win by two or more goals, covering the handicap and landing us a profit.
The H2H shows Portugal -1 handicap was a strong bet when they beat Ireland 3-0 last time. It would've also paid in half of the previous four games. If Portugal score early and get the crowd on their side, they have the players, experience and firepower to put this match to bed early.
Tip: Portugal -1 handicap @ 4/6 (bet365)
Bet explanation: You want the home team to win by two or more clear goals.
Portugal vs Ireland odds
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The odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.