We provide our greatest bets for Republic of Eire’s penultimate World Cup qualifier as they tackle the world’s No. 5 ranked aspect.
Republic of Eire have 4 days to salvage an uninspiring World Cup qualifying marketing campaign, beginning with a go to from Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal to Dublin on Thursday.
Six factors from their last two Group F video games – they log out in Hungary on Sunday – would safe Heimir Hallgrimsson’s squad a play-off spot, and 4 factors even is perhaps sufficient relying on different outcomes.
However which means getting one thing from the nation ranked No. 5 on the earth who can safe their very own qualification to the finals by profitable on the Aviva Stadium.
It will be a tense night time in Dublin however right here’s a 9/2 Wager Builder for the competition.
Republic of Eire vs Portugal Wager Builder
Felix return a lift for Martinez
Portugal might lean closely on Ronaldo, however the attacking inspiration comes from elsewhere across the discipline.
Head coach Roberto Martinez would have been disenchanted to lose each Pedro Neto and Bruno Fernandes – damage and suspension respectively – for this showdown in Dublin.
However the ex-Everton boss nonetheless has sufficient attacking instruments at his disposal and few in fairly pretty much as good kind as Joao Felix.
The 25-year-old former Chelsea and AC Milan ace has scored seven in seven within the admittedly extra snug environment of the Saudi Premier League, having scored two in his nation’s 5-0 romp previous Armenia of their Group F opener in September.
Felix is averaging 2.7 photographs per recreation for Portugal throughout this season’s qualifying marketing campaign.
Portugal had 30 photographs in opposition to Eire after they met final month in probably the most one-sided 1-0 win in worldwide historical past.
It is perhaps barely completely different in Dublin, however take Felix to search out the web.
Leg 1: Joao Felix anytime scorer @ 9/5
Selecao to place Eire of their place
Eire barely landed a glove on Portugal final month and should strive one thing completely different if they’re to make a recreation of the return.
Hallgrimsson’s males had two photographs – none heading in the right direction – on the Estadio Jose Alvalade and had been totally toothless.
The query is, dare they be constructive this time round and threat dropping all the pieces or play for the purpose that retains them alive within the competitors?
Both means, there are a gargantuan 57 locations between these international locations within the FIFA rankings and Portugal actually should win this as comfortably because the standings – and the percentages – indicate.
Nook a revenue by backing set-pieces to soar
Portugal received 9 corners in opposition to Eire final month and are averaging precisely six per match all through the marketing campaign.
The Irish have received 12 corners at precisely three per recreation.
The stats alone counsel these groups can ship the nook depend hovering over 8.5, particularly if Eire are compelled to start out chasing the sport.
Leg 3: Over 8.5 Corners @ 8/11