Ireland vs Portugal Preview & Tips - Portugal backed for win to nil over Ireland in World Cup Qualifying

By Ben Darvill

2 hours ago

Ben Darvill 2 hours ago

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Ireland have lost two of their last three in qualifying
Portugal are yet to lose in qualifying (W3, D1)
Preview, stats & head to head

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal ( Getty Images)

Ireland vs Portugal Preview & Tips
Head To Head
Ireland Form
Portugal Form

Ireland vs Portugal Preview & Tips

Ireland were able to secure a much-needed 1-0 win over Armenia in their last outing as they kept their hopes of a top two place in Group F alive.

Portugal are five points clear of Hungary in second having won three of their opening four matches in qualifying.

Portugal have won their last two against Ireland to nil
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in his last appearance for Portugal against Hungary

Head To Head

Portugal have won five of their 10 against Ireland, with the Irish winning twice and three games ending as draws.

Ireland Form

Ireland were in desperate need of a good result against Armenia in their last match, and they got just that as they just about beat Armenia in a battling 1-0 win.

This was their first victory in qualifying and it ended a run of three without a win in the group. This streak had seen Ireland lose to Portugal and Armenia, while they shared the points with Hungary in their opener.

The four points they have picked up means they sit in third, one point behind Hungary in second and six short of Portugal at the summit. A win in this match would put Ireland in contention for top spot again but, perhaps more importantly, it would really strengthen their hopes of finishing in second at least.

My worry for Ireland in this one is that they have lost their last two against Portugal without scoring. Four goals scored in four games is hardly a tally that will scare Portugal, and I back the Irish to slip to a frustrating loss without scoring.

Portugal Form

Portugal are yet to taste defeat in their World Cup qualifying group after winning three of their opening four and drawing once.

Wins to nil over Armenia (5-0) and Ireland (1-0) sandwiched a pulsating 3-2 away win over Hungary. Their last game saw the Portuguese drop two points against Hungary in a 2-2 draw, although this did see Portugal maintain their five-point lead at the summit.

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to score goals, netting twice against Hungary in their last outing. With five goals across qualifying, I back Portugal's talisman to continue to score goals as his side secure a vital win to nil.

Verdict

Rep of Ireland v Portugal

I am backing Ronaldo to score once again as Portugal secure their third consecutive win to nil over their opponents.

Cristiano Ronaldo

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Portugal

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