The Republic of Ireland are looking to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive when Portugal visit the Aviva Stadium on Thursday evening.
It has been a tough campaign for the Irish thus far, with just one win from four fixtures, leaving them third in the group.
So this really is a must-win game, which is not ideal when coming up against Cristiano Ronaldo and his world-class Portugal side.
We have previewed the upcoming international clash in full, providing you with some more sports betting tips based on the latest football odds.
Republic of Ireland vs Portugal Preview
These two nations met in the October international break, with Portugal eventually securing a 1-0 victory thanks to a dramatic 91st-minute winner from Al-Hilal’s Ruben Neves.
That result has helped put the Portuguese within touching distance of a spot at the 2026 World Cup, though Ronaldo’s side could only muster a 2-2 home draw vs Hungary last time out.
However, a win in this fixture would guarantee a place in North America next summer – and banish any negatives from the performance vs Hungary.
The Irish kept themselves in contention for a play-off spot in their previous fixture, beating Armenia 1-0 in Dublin thanks to a 70th-minute strike from AS Roma’s Evan Ferguson.
It was a result which helped extend Ireland’s unbeaten run on home soil, which now stands at five games since a 2-0 loss to Greece in September 2024.
But Portugal have won each of their last three away games, including a 5-0 thrashing of Armenia in September.
And with Ronaldo supported by the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto, Bernardo Silva and other bonafide superstars, you fear for the Irish a tad – especially if they concede early!
But if the hosts can feed off a passionate home crowd, a shock result and the preservation of Ireland’s World Cup hopes could be on the cards.
Republic of Ireland vs Portugal Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Portugal are heavy favourites ahead of kick-off, priced at just 1.30 to take the win. The Irish are at odds of 7.70, while the draw is 4.50.
Republic of Ireland vs Portugal Betting Tips
Anytime goalscorer – Cristiano Ronaldo @ 1.73
Ronaldo is still a goalscoring machine, even at the age of 40. The Al-Nassr forward has eight goals in his last seven international appearances, including both in the aforementioned draw vs Hungary. So backing Ronaldo to enjoy Dublin delight seems a sensible course of action.
To assist a goal – Bruno Fernandes @ 3.10
Fernandes’ creative abilities are well documented. The Manchester United skipper has tallied three assists in the Premier League this season, and boasts a record of 23 assists in 84 appearances for Portugal. The numbers certainly make this a viable selection for Thursday’s game, especially with Fernandes having Ronaldo to aim for!
Both teams to score – Yes @ 1.94
Yes, Portugal kept a clean sheet last time these two sides met, but that was only the second shutout they managed to achieve in the previous 10 matches. Furthermore, the Irish have scored at least one goal in the last five home games, so the BTTS market could be a handy way to boost the odds in a combo bet.
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