Ireland vs Portugal Prediction & Match Preview

Aron Wright - November 8, 2021

Republic of Ireland vs Portugal
World Cup Qualification Europe
Date: Thursday, 11 November 2021
Kick-off at 19:45 UK/ 20:45 CET
Venue: Aviva Stadium.

2016 European Champions Portugal are currently placed second in the table, and with just two games remaining, they need to find a way to climb over toppers Serbia, who have a one-point lead.

However, the Portuguese do have a fixture in hand, and should they manage to win this upcoming fixture, they are perfectly fine.

And since Ireland are already out of the competition (they are trailing 11 points below the final qualification spot, with just two games remaining), they would not be motivated enough to go after a win.

Moreover, talisman Cristiano Ronaldo would be desperate to deliver some good performances, in an attempt to forget the struggles his club Manchester United are going through now.

By the looks of things, expect Portugal to deliver the three points in style.

Ireland vs Portugal Head-to-head

• The latest encounter had ended in a 2-1 win for the Portuguese.
• And the game before that had ended in a 5-1 win for them.
• Only once have they lost since 1995.
• In the past 25-year period, only once have they failed to score against this rival.

Ireland vs Portugal Prediction & Analysis

The Portuguese registered a massive 5-0 win at home the last match-day, against Luxembourg. They are also on a five-game winning streak, and had a combined scorecard of 16-2 in the process.

Going on, they have lost just thrice in the past 25-month period, and the defeats had come against France, Belgium, and Germany – some of the absolute best teams in the world.

On the other hand, Ireland did deliver a 0-3 win on the road against Azerbaijan. But it was their first win of the campaign, and they were also winless in 16 of their past 19 fixtures.

Going on, they also have a poor h2h record against this foe over the years, and they have nothing left to play for, while the Portuguese need a win to make it to the top of the table, and be in the race for the ticket to Qatar.

Likely, expect a thumping win for Portugal this Thursday.

Key Stats for Betting

• Barring a single draw against toppers Serbia, the 2016 European champions have a perfect winning record this campaign.
• They have scored the most number of goals, as well as have conceded the least.
• They had scored three or more goals in their last four fixtures on the trot.
• Meanwhile, the Irish have won just once in the entire competition, and the victory had come against the dead-last placed Azerbaijan.

Tips for Ireland vs Portugal

• Portugal -1.5 Asian Handicap @ 2.00 (1/1)

• Portugal to Win & Over 2.5 Match Goals @ 2.00 (1/1).