The Republic of Ireland's faint hopes of qualifying for next summer's World Cup in North America are reliant on them picking up three points against Armenia in Dublin on Tuesday.
Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side are winless after three games in Group F and bottom of the table. Their nadir in this group – so far – came in last month’s 2-1 loss in Yerevan.
On Saturday, the Irish put in a spirited shift against Portugal in Lisbon, only to be undone by a header from Ruben Neves in stoppage time.
Meanwhile, Armenia went down 2-0 against Hungary in Budapest.
Victory at the Aviva Stadium would hoist Ireland off the bottom and, they’ll hope, draw alongside Hungary on four points should they be defeated in their own trip to Lisbon.
It’s all or nothing for Hallgrimsson and his Irish side and we have identified a 7/1 bet builder for this Dublin date.
Republic of Ireland Ireland v Armenia Bet Builder Tips
Republic of Ireland to win @ 2/5
Under 3.5 Goals @ 30/100
Nathan Collins To Have 1+ Shots on Target @ 14/5
Pays out at 7/1
Ireland to grind it out
Saturday’s performance in Lisbon was a throwback to the Jack Charlton era. The Irish were extremely stubborn and organised, limiting Portugal’s opportunity to break them down and create real chances – though Caoimhin Kelleher did have to save a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty.
That particular Irish era was also known for being able to compete well with superior opponents, but struggling at times to put away perceived inferior teams.
In Yerevan last month, Armenia were worth winners, perhaps more so than the 2-1 scoreline suggested.
Ireland will have to dig in and battle in Dublin, but they should eventually be good enough to win the contest.
Leg 1: Republic of Ireland to win @ 2/5
Goals unlikely to flow
It may be a grind for the hosts so under 3.5 goals looks the way to go on Tuesday.
Armenia failed to score in either of their other two games, flanking the shock win against the Irish, and have scored just five times in the last eight competitive games they have played.
But Ireland aren’t freescoring either. They haven’t scored more than twice in any of their last 12 competitive games.
Four of the five previous meetings between these nations have resulted in under 3.5 goals and that looks a safe play again.
Leg 2: Under 3.5 Goals @ 30/100
Collins can be a set-piece threat
Nathan Collins will have a key role to play at set-pieces, which could have a defining role in Ireland’s fate.
The Brentford centre-back missed a gilt-edged chance in the draw with Hungary at the Aviva Stadium last month, one of two headed opportunities to come his way.
Collins also threatened in Yerevan. He’s already got two international goals and the 24-year-old will be a menace from corners and free-kicks that the Armenia defence need to watch out for.
The defender can get an effort on target and adds some value on this bet builder.
Leg 3: Nathan Collins To Have 1+ Shots on Target @ 14/5
