Date: Saturday, 11 October 2025
Kick-off time: 19:45 (BST)
Venue: Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon

The road to the 2026 World Cup rolls on, and this one should be a cracker. Portugal are back in action, and they welcome the Republic of Ireland to Lisbon. It’s a proper European clash — flair versus fight.

Portugal come into this one flying high, unbeaten in their group so far. They’ve been scoring for fun, and you can bet the home fans will expect another show. Ireland? They’ve had a mixed campaign, but they’ll fight for every ball. You know how the Irish are — no easy nights against them.

So, can Ireland spoil the party? Or will Portugal’s stars shine bright again? Let’s dig in.

Portugal Team News

Portugal look scary right now. They’ve got that swagger back. The win over Hungary last time out showed just how clinical they can be when they click.

João Cancelo was outstanding bombing down the flank, Bernardo Silva ran the show in midfield, and Cristiano Ronaldo… well, he just keeps going, doesn’t he? Another goal, another milestone, and still the leader of this team.

Expect Roberto Martínez to stick with his attacking setup. João Palhinha is pushing for a start after coming off the bench in the last game, while Rafael Leão and Matheus Nunes are both available again. Nelson Semedo’s back too, adding depth at right-back.

At home, in front of a packed José Alvalade crowd, Portugal will dominate the ball and press high. They’ll try to kill the game early.

Likely Portugal lineup:
Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Inácio, Mendes; Palhinha, Silva, Fernandes; Félix, Leão, Ronaldo

Ireland Team News

Ireland’s trip to Armenia last time out didn’t go to plan. They created chances but fell 2-1, and you could see the frustration on Stephen Kenny’s face. The effort was there, but the cutting edge? Not so much.

Evan Ferguson was the standout, grabbing Ireland’s only goal. The teenager’s already becoming the face of Irish football, and this stage — under the Lisbon lights — is exactly where he’ll want to prove himself.

Skipper Seamus Coleman returns to the squad, which is a big boost for experience at the back. But Matt Doherty’s out injured, which means Coleman could slot straight back in. John Egan’s also been recalled and should start.

Ireland will try to stay compact, frustrate Portugal, and look for counter-attacks through Ferguson and Chiedozie Ogbene. But keeping Ronaldo and co quiet for 90 minutes? That’s the hard part.

Likely Ireland lineup:
Bazunu; Coleman, Egan, Collins, Manning; Cullen, Molumby; Ogbene, Knight, Johnston; Ferguson

Portugal vs Ireland Key Stats

• Portugal have scored 17 goals in their last six matches.
• Ireland have failed to keep a clean sheet in five of their last six.
• Portugal have won four straight home games in World Cup qualifying.
• Cristiano Ronaldo has three goals in his last two qualifiers.
• Ireland have scored at least once in four of their last five games.

Portugal vs Ireland Betting Tips

Portugal love to play on the front foot, and with Ireland likely to sit deep, it could turn into a game of attack versus defence.

Portugal to win & over 2.5 goals looks strong. They’ve scored three or more in five of their last six, and they just have too much quality going forward.

You could also look at Ronaldo anytime scorer — the man lives for qualifiers. And if you like a riskier one, both teams to score isn’t out of the question. Ireland have shown they can nick one, especially from set-pieces.

Betting angles worth a look:

• Portugal to win & over 2.5 goals
• Ronaldo to score anytime
• Both teams to score – Yes (at value odds)

Portugal vs Ireland Match Prediction

Honestly, I can’t see past Portugal here. They’re at home, in rhythm, and full of confidence. Ireland will dig in and try to stay in it, but the gap in class is clear.

Portugal will dominate possession, stretch the Irish defence, and eventually break them down. Expect one early, one just before half-time, and maybe another late on when legs tire.

Match Prediction: Portugal to win. Bet with bet365.

Correct Score Prediction

Portugal’s attack looks sharp, and Ireland’s defence hasn’t exactly been watertight. I’m leaning toward a 3-0 home win. Clean, clinical, and convincing.

Correct Score Prediction: Portugal 3-0 Ireland. Bet with bet365.

Over/Under Goals Betting Tips

If you’re playing the goals market, here’s a simple one: back the over. Portugal’s recent matches have been wild — five of their last six have seen three or more goals. Ireland also tend to concede but not roll over completely.

Over/Under Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.

Bet Builder Tip

Here’s a combo I like for Saturday night:

• Portugal to win
• Over 2.5 goals
• Cristiano Ronaldo anytime scorer

That’s your all-action bet builder. High energy, high scoring — and plenty of Ronaldo moments to cheer.

Bet Builder Tip: Portugal to Win, Over 2.5 Goals & Ronaldo to Score Anytime. Bet with bet365.

Key Stats

• Portugal are unbeaten in their last 8 home qualifiers.
• Ronaldo remains Portugal’s top scorer in this campaign.
• Ireland have conceded in 9 of their last 10 away qualifiers.
• Expect goals — Portugal average 2.8 goals per game in this group.

Visit our football previews & predictions page for more betting tips on upcoming matches.

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