Portugal Expectedโ toโ Overcome Republic โof ireland in High-Scoring affair
LISBON, Portugal – portugal are overwhelming favorites to secureโข a victory against the Republic of Ireland in their upcoming match, bolstered by a strong attackingโ lineupโ and recent form, though defensive vulnerabilities suggest a potential for goals at both ends. Managed โby Roberto Martinez, the reigning UEFA Nations League champions boast a blend of experienced stars like Cristiano Ronaldo โฃand emerging talent.
Despite their status as strong contenders, Portugal have shown defensive cracks this year, conceding eight โgoals across six games. Hungary scored twice againstโ them in their last outing, and Denmark secured a win in March. This providesโ a glimmer of hope for Heimir Hallgrรญmsson’s Republic ofโค Ireland side, even acknowledging the meaningful challenge they face.
Irelandโ arrive with a respectable attacking record, having failed to score in only one game this year. However, this weekend’s fixture represents their toughest test to date. โA lively match with โaction expected at both ends isโ anticipated.
Portugal’sโฃ games in 2024 have consistently delivered entertainment, averaging 4.3 goals per match from a total of 26 scored in six games. Historically, encounters between Portugal andโค Ireland have also been goal-filled, with both โteams finding the net inโ all but one previous meeting, and sixโ ending with over 2.5 goals. Cristiano Ronaldo, chasing a milestone 150thโ internationalโ goal, will be eager to add to his tally, supported by attacking options including Bernardo Silva, Joao Felix, Pedro Neto, and Goncalo Ramos.
On theโ irish side, Evan โFerguson has demonstrated promising โคform at the international level, scoring in both โWorld Cup Qualifiers last month โฃand aimingโค for a third consecutive game with a goal.
Betting Insights (as of November 15, 2024):
* Bothโค Teams to โScore: Odds of 2.40 on Stake (https://in-links.goal.com/goto/stake-com?profile=Media&subprofile=timely)
* Over 3.5 Goals: โฃ Odds of 2.10 on Stake (https://in-links.goal.com/goto/stake-com?profile=Media&subprofile=timely)
* Joao Felix to Score or Assist: Odds of 1.79 on โขStake (https://in-links.goal.com/goto/stake-com?profile=Media&subprofile=timely)
While Ronaldo remainsโ the bookmakers’ favorite to score,Joao Felix is emerging as a strong candidate to makeโข a significant impact.โ The 25-year-old hasโ recordedโข 10 goals and โฃassists in nine matches at club level this season, and has three goals in his last three appearances for Portugal, including a brace against Armenia.Despite โpotentially startingโฃ on the benchโ given Portugal’s depth,Felix is expected โto be a โthreat even as a substitute.