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Another international break is upon us, the last of 2021, as Ireland look to round out what has to be regarded as a disappointing bid to qualify for the World Cup. However, The Boys In Green really stepped up during the last set of matches and maybe, just maybe, Stephen Kenny has cracked this Irish squad. Ireland looked to have finally discovered their style of play.
Thursday 7.45pm – Ireland v Portugal
Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Football / RTÉ Two
Kenny’s team played inspired football against Azerbaijan and Qatar (fair enough, neither are exactly football giants), but those performances have given Ireland fans hope. So much so that there is talk of an upset as Portugal look to make a final push to finish at the top of the group. Here is what we’re going for in Bet Builder for Thursday’s clash in Dublin.
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The Draw
Yes, yes you read that correctly. Ireland to cause an upset, and not win it, but to walk away from this game with a draw would be HUGE. Providing a nightmare for the Portuguese and encouragement for Irish fans that the team are headed in the right direction. A 1-1 draw would be absolutely ideal for any Irish supporter with reasonable expectations and, provided Ronaldo doesn’t score twice after 90 minutes, it could be a realistic outcome.
Both Teams To Score
Since Stephen Kenny took over as the Ireland manager, the national side has started scoring more. Seven goals were scored in the last international break alone (five of those by Callum Robinson) and I can absolutely see Ireland finding the net in this one. Rumour has it, Cristiano Ronaldo is very excited about meeting the real CR7 in person.
Callum Robinson To Have 1 Or More Shots On Target
As mentioned above, Robinson has scored five in his last two appearances for Ireland and will surely be the second name on the Irish team sheet, after Gavin Bazunu of course. If anybody is going to give Rui Patricio a hard time in the Aviva Stadium, it’ll be the West Brom man. You’d hope to see him find the net in front of the home fans, especially after Irish fans were not allowed to the away fixture.
Cristiano Ronaldo To Have 2 Or More Shots On Target
We’ve seen it with Man United as he constantly digs Ole Gunnar Solskjaer out of holes, the man is inevitable. Consider the fact that Portugal themselves had seven shots on target against Ireland in the previous fixture, with Ronaldo accounting for four of them. Surely, he’ll be able to achieve half of that on a cold November night in Dublin?
Ireland To Have 3 Or More Shots On Target
The rationale behind this one is fairly simple. Ireland managed two shots on target against Portugal in the away leg of the fixture. At that point, the pieces were just starting to come together. Since then, Kenny’s side have improved in a major way and that should make them capable of creating one more shot on target. That and the collective “SHOOOOOOT” coming from the stands that will echo out anytime there’s an Irish player in the attacking third!
Ireland v Portugal tips:
The Draw
Both Teams To Score
Callum Robinson To Have 1 Or More Shots On Target
Cristiano Ronaldo To Have 2 Or More Shots On Target
Ireland To Have 3 Or More Shots On Target
* A Bet Builder of these five best bets pays at approximately 22/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
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Football tips:
IRELAND v PORTUGAL
- Paddy trader delivers his 2 Ireland v Portugal tips
- 14/1 shot among Alan Cawley’s Ireland v Portugal betting tips for Thursday night
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