Ireland vs. Portugal: Preview and betting tips

Portugal will face a crucial match on Thursday in their fight to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar. If they win in Ireland, a draw against Serbia will be enough to secure first place.

Ireland has failed to break its losing streak and obviously cannot think of qualifying with five points. On the other hand, it won twice at the last national team meeting, beating Azerbaijan and Qatar.

Portugal only needs to win four points from the remaining two rounds to qualify directly for the tournament. The bread will be broken in the last qualifying round, when it will face provisional number one Serbia.

Tottenham talent Troy Parrott, who has scored twice in the recent past, is worth mentioning in the unproductive Ireland squad. Forward Callum Robinson has two goals and an assist.

The visitors rely on Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored fifteen goals in his last seventeen games for Portugal. Diogo Jota has also become a mainstay, with eight goals and two assists, he will not be lost in the packed squad.

Ireland rely on a solid defence, having conceded just two goals in their last four games.

And the Irish defence has a lot to look forward to, with the Portuguese holding a 3.5 goals against average in their last four games.

Given the form of Cristiano Ronaldo and the entire away attack, I think the Portuguese will win by at least two goals.