We offer our best bets for Republic of Ireland's penultimate World Cup qualifier as they take on the world's No. 5 ranked side.
Republic of Ireland have four days to salvage an uninspiring World Cup qualifying campaign, starting with a visit from Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal to Dublin on Thursday.
Six points from their final two Group F games – they sign off in Hungary on Sunday – would secure Heimir Hallgrimsson’s squad a play-off spot, and four points even might be enough depending on other results.
But that means getting something from the country ranked No. 5 in the world who can secure their own qualification to the finals by winning at the Aviva Stadium.
It is going to be a tense night in Dublin but here’s a 9/2 Bet Builder for the contest.
Republic of Ireland vs Portugal Bet Builder
Felix return a boost for Martinez
Portugal may lean heavily on Ronaldo, but the attacking inspiration comes from elsewhere around the field.
Head coach Roberto Martinez would have been disappointed to lose both Pedro Neto and Bruno Fernandes – injury and suspension respectively – for this showdown in Dublin.
But the ex-Everton boss still has enough attacking tools at his disposal and few in quite as good form as Joao Felix.
The 25-year-old former Chelsea and AC Milan ace has scored seven in seven in the admittedly more comfortable surroundings of the Saudi Premier League, having scored two in his country’s 5-0 romp past Armenia in their Group F opener in September.
Felix is averaging 2.7 shots per game for Portugal during this season’s qualifying campaign.
Portugal had 30 shots against Ireland when they met last month in the most one-sided 1-0 win in international history.
It might be slightly different in Dublin, but take Felix to find the net.
Leg 1: Joao Felix anytime scorer @ 9/5
Selecao to put Ireland in their place
Ireland barely landed a glove on Portugal last month and will have to try something different if they are to make a game of the return.
Hallgrimsson’s men had two shots – none on target – at the Estadio Jose Alvalade and were utterly toothless.
The question is, dare they be positive this time around and risk losing everything or play for the point that keeps them alive in the competition?
Either way, there are a gargantuan 57 places between these countries in the FIFA rankings and Portugal really ought to win this as comfortably as the standings – and the odds – imply.
Leg 2: Portugal to win @ 7/20
Corner a profit by backing set-pieces to soar
Portugal won nine corners against Ireland last month and are averaging exactly six per match throughout the campaign.
The Irish have won 12 corners at exactly three per game.
The stats alone suggest these teams can send the corner count soaring over 8.5, especially if Ireland are forced to start chasing the game.
Leg 3: Over 8.5 Corners @ 8/11
