An unbeaten Portugal take on Republic of Ireland, who are rooted at the bottom of Group F, with the home side angling for another win.

Roberto Martinez has been a sensational driver for this Portugal side, who have found their scoring rhythm under the Spanish tactician as they prepare to take on the Republic of Ireland this weekend. Having clinched the UEFA Nations League title earlier in the year, the Selecao began their World Cup qualification emphatically.

Having played both their qualifiers so far away from home, Portugal thrashed Armenia with a 5-0 scoreline and then secured the points late against an inspired Hungary side. In what was a topsy-turvy game with the Hungarians, defender Joao Cancelo found a late winner to collect all three points and continue Portugal’s winning run.

Now, they are back on home soil and take on a Republic of Ireland side rooted to the bottom of Group F. Owing to their triumph in the Nations League, Portugal are already guaranteed a spot in the playoffs, although Martinez will target progression as group winners, as anything short of that would be seen as underwhelming.

Meanwhile, Heimir Hallgrimsson is tasked with helping the Republic of Ireland qualify for the World Cup finals for the first time since 2006. Their start to the qualifying campaign did offer some hope following a rallying draw with ten-man Hungary, but the defeat to Armenia has somewhat deflated their mood.

Ireland have a dreadful record away from home in recent times, with only two victories to show for in eight such outings. They are odds against beating Portugal on the road, which does make them the underdogs in this clash, as the wider expectation is for them to continue at the bottom of Group F for the time being, although the manager will want revenge on Armenia in the second fixture of this international round.

Team News & Tactics

Portugal

Joao Neves seems like the only casualty following his withdrawal from the squad with an injury. Roberto Martinez could use the depth of his squad for this clash in some areas of the field.

Nelson Semedo and Renato Veiga are in line for their first starts in this qualifying campaign. Ruben Dias and Paris Saint-Germain Hotshot Nuno Mendes are expected to complete the defensive line.

The midfield and frontline are expected to have a familiar feel to it, with Joao Felix probably set for a start in the attacking setup behind key man and skipper Cristiano Ronaldo. Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva will also feature in the front four, while Vitinha and Ruben Neves are expected to hold the midfield together.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Costa; Semedo, Veiga, Dias, Mendes; Vitinha, Neves; Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Felix; Ronaldo

Republic of Ireland

The visitors are missing a few key stars, with Bosun Lawal, Matt Doherty, and Jason Knight all sidelined with injuries. Striker Evan Ferguson is nursing an ankle problem, and he missed training earlier this week.

With Ferguson’s participation yet to be ruled out, Heimir Halgrimsson is likely to pick him to lead the line for the Republic of Ireland if he is deemed match-fit as this game against Portugal approaches.

Premier League duo Nathan Collins and Jake O’Brien feature there alongside Ipswich Town’s Dara O’Shea in the central defensive unit, with Brentford keeper Caoimhin Kelleher taking his sport between the sticks behind the trio. Josh Cullen and Jayson Molumby are the preferred options in central midfield.

Chiedozie Obgene and Ryan Manning are expected to feature in the wing-back roles. Jack Taylor and Finn Azaz will occupy the spaces behind the central striker, with the manager hoping it will be Ferguson who leads the line.

Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Kelleher; Collins, O’Shea, O’Brien; Obgene, Cullen, Molumby, Manning; Azaz, Taylor; Ferguson

Key Stats

• Portugal have scored eight goals in their opening two games of this World Cup qualifying campaign.
• Portugal are unbeaten in their last five international games.
• Ireland have picked up only a point from their opening two games and are rooted to the bottom of Group F.
• Ireland have not qualified for a World Cup finals since the 2006 edition.

Player to Watch

Cristiano Ronaldo

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Ronaldo is aiming to become only one of two players to feature in six World Cups alongside Lionel Messi next year, and he will also aim to become the first Portuguese skipper to lift the coveted trophy then. However, he has to stay fit, and so far, in Selecao colours, he has not shown any signs of slowing down.

The veteran attacker has continued his goalscoring form at the age of 40, and he will want to keep that run until at least the World Cup. Hence, Ronaldo will look to keep scoring from the front for Portugal, and the skipper is widely expected to lead the line once again and headline this game against Ireland.

Prediction

Portugal 3-0 Republic of Ireland

The Republic of Ireland are yet to find their rhythm in this qualification phase, and this game against Portugal may not be the place where they will start clicking. Hence, this might be another night that Hallgrimsson must take it on the chin and hope to finish this round of international games on a high note against Armenia next.

As for Portugal, Roberto Martinez will demand another dominating display from his star-studded team, something they will likely deliver. Given the relentless form the hosts have been under their Spanish manager, this could be another such showing, with the Selecao expected to score at least thrice in this clash and probably keep a clean sheet. The Hard Tackle predicts a 3-0 win for Martinez and his charges.