Portugal v Ireland tips: Alan Cawley's 4/1 best bet for Wednesday's clash

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I think plenty of people will be watching this one from behind the couch. It’s a huge week for Stephen Kenny, not only with the game on Wednesday but obviously then the Azerbaijan game and Serbia next Tuesday. I think he needs to pick up points.

I don’t think qualification is going to happen, we have to be realistic about that. But certainly in terms of building some momentum towards going forward into the future I think he has to pick up some results.

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We have to be realistic in terms of the opposition in this group. Did we really think we were going to qualify if we’re up against the likes of Portugal and Serbia? The defeat against Luxembourg, and the manner in which they got beat at home, was a poor, poor performance.

I think before that it was hard to judge him because of all the Covid stuff, he never really had a full group of players to choose from but once you get into the qualifying games, that’s where you judge him. It’s a massive week for Stephen Kenny and unless he takes a couple of positive results from these games I think his job could be in jeopardy, to be honest.

Wednesday 7.45pm: Portugal v Republic of Ireland
Sky Sports Premier League and RTÉ2

Portugal to Win 2-0

I think the best we can hope for here is a draw, to be honest. I’d snap your hand off for a draw now. You look at the quality they have off the pitch and of course Cristiano Ronaldo coming off the back of signing for Manchester United. They’ve quality all over the pitch.

I think we have to be realistic in terms of what we’re expecting on Wednesday night. If you were offered a draw you’d take it but you have to fancy Portugal, everyone will. If you’re looking at a correct score, I’d probably go with 2-0 to Portugal.