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We’ve made it to the international break which can only mean one thing – Ireland take their next step to boycott Qatar 2022.
So far, Stephen Kenny has gone above and beyond to ensure not one Irish fan ends up spending any cash whatsoever in the Middle Eastern country next December, and there’s not much chance of that changing in Wednesday’s qualifier away to Portugal.
Anyway, after a very near-miss with Saturday’s Bet Builder, here’s a look at the betting opportunities for this clash down on the Algarve.
Wednesday 7.45pm: Portugal v Republic of Ireland
Sky Sports Premier League and RTÉ2
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These picks in a Paddy Power Bet Builder will give you odds of around 23/1. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
Portugal to Win
This is painfully inevitable. As much as I love this Irish side, they will be without their greatest asset at the Estadio Algarve – the fans. That, partnered with the fact that Ireland have not won a competitive game since June 2019 (against Gibraltar), hopes are not too high for the Boys In Green.
Over 3.5 Goals
I would expect to see goals in this game, for one side at least. It would be remiss not to mention that Ireland did go 12 months scoring just one goal. With a young defence that is relatively inexperienced coming up against a Portuguese side boasting Bruno Fernandes and some bloke called Cristiano Ronaldo, I expect to see a struggle, followed by the “Stop It, he’s already dead” Simpsons GIF to be circulating Twitter just before half time.
Both Teams to Score – No
This is relatively self-explanatory. Ireland offer about as much going forward as a thin piece of wet cardboard – wet cardboard that will be comfortably broken up by Pepe and the snooker ball in a sock that he carries with him everywhere. Then factor in he’ll have Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo and Raphael Guerreiro keeping him company at the back and I’d be shocked to see Ireland create many opportunities from open play.
Cristiano Ronaldo to Score Anytime
This is the real wild ace in this Bet Builder. Not too many people have heard of this fella, but trust me, he’s good and now just one goal away from becoming the all-time top international goalscorer. For some strange reason I don’t feel that Shane Duffy is going to be quite able to stop that from happening.
James McClean to be Booked
Death, taxes and James McClean to get himself into some sort of trouble in an Ireland jersey. It’s written in the stars, an almighty, UFC level scrap between himself and Pepe in the clash of fiery titans that will make 90 minutes of pain marginally more worthwhile. It was a toss-up between whether we’d back McClean or Pepe here and realistically both are equally likely, however, we’ve sided with McClean.
Portugal v Ireland betting tips:
Portugal to Win
Over 3.5 Goals
Both Teams to Score – No
Cristiano Ronaldo to Score Anytime
James McClean to be Booked
These picks in a Paddy Power Bet Builder will give you odds of around 23/1. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
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FOOTBALL TIPS TODAY
- CAWLEY’S CALL: Alan Cawley’s 4/1 best bet for Portugal v Ireland clash
- ACCA: Our 14/1 BTTS accumulator for Wednesday’s international action
- 3 BEST BETS: 11/2 shot among tonight’s Denmark v Scotland punts
- TOP TIPS: 6/1 play leads the way for Finland v Wales at 5pm
THURSDAY FOOTBALL TIPS
- BET BUILDER: Goals galore will land this 30/1 Hungary v England punt
- PHIL THOMPSON: My 7/1 tip for England’s trip to Hungary
- TREBLE: Paddy’s 10/1 bet for Thursday’s late-night South American qualifiers
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