Portugal vs Republic of Ireland predictions for this friendly clash. Portugal faces Republic of Ireland in a friendly in Aveiro on Tuesday, preparing for the European Championship. Read on for our free World Cup Qualifying predictions and betting tips.
Friendly | Jun 11, 2024 at 7:45pm UK at Estadio Municipal de Aveiro
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Portugal vs Republic of Ireland Predictions
Portugal’s Final Test: A Clash of Styles Against Ireland
Key Stats
– Portugal average 3.6 goals per game in European Championship qualification.
– Republic of Ireland have only kept two clean sheets in their last eight matches.
– Diogo Jota has scored in three of his last four matches for club and country.
As Portugal gear up for their final friendly before Euro 2024, they face the Republic of Ireland in what promises to be a compelling encounter. Scheduled for Tuesday night in Aveiro, this match offers both teams a final opportunity to fine-tune their strategies ahead of their respective competitions. Portugal will look to rebound from a recent defeat, while Ireland aims to build on a morale-boosting victory.
Match Preview
Portugal enter this match following a 2-1 loss to Croatia, their second defeat in three games. Roberto Martinez’s squad managed to equalise through Diogo Jota after Luka Modric’s penalty, but Ante Budimir’s goal sealed the win for Croatia. This latest result underscores the inconsistent form that Portugal have displayed in recent friendlies, including a 2-0 loss to Slovenia in March. Martinez’s side will hope to regain their footing and build momentum before their Euro 2024 opener against the Czech Republic.
On the other hand, the Republic of Ireland, under interim manager John O’Shea, will not be participating in Euro 2024 after a challenging qualification campaign. They finished fourth in their group with just six points from eight matches. Nonetheless, Ireland come into this fixture buoyed by a 2-1 win over Hungary, their first victory in five matches. This game represents a chance for Ireland to measure themselves against a higher calibre of opposition and to continue their rebuilding process ahead of the UEFA Nations League in September.
Team News and Line-ups
Cristiano Ronaldo, who was an unused substitute against Croatia, is expected to start for Portugal. Martinez is likely to make several changes to his lineup, with Joao Cancelo, Jota, and Antonio Silva set to come in. Bruno Fernandes, Joao Palhinha, and Vitinha are likely to retain their places in midfield, while Matheus Nunes and Joao Neves could see some action off the bench. Rafael Leao is another player pushing for a start and might get some minutes as well.
For the Republic of Ireland, O’Shea may stick with the team that started in the victory over Hungary. Adam Idah, who scored his fourth international goal in that match, might lead the line, though Troy Parrott, who also scored, is pressing for a start. Seamus Coleman will captain the side from defence, with Robbie Brady and Shane Duffy also expected to feature prominently.
Portugal Possible Starting Line-up: Costa; Cancelo, A Silva, Dias, Dalot; Fernandes, Palhinha, Vitinha; Bernardo, Ronaldo, Jota
Republic of Ireland Possible Starting Line-up: Kelleher; Coleman, Duffy, D O’Shea; Doherty, Smallbone, Cullen, Brady; Azaz, Idah, Szmodics
Key Match-Ups and Areas of the Field
The midfield battle will be crucial, with Portugal’s Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha expected to control the tempo against Ireland’s more industrious but less technically gifted midfielders like Will Smallbone and Alan Browne. This disparity could see Portugal dominate possession, forcing Ireland to rely on counter-attacks and set-pieces to create scoring opportunities.
In defence, the duel between Portugal’s Joao Cancelo and Ireland’s Adam Idah will be pivotal. Cancelo’s forward surges and defensive reliability will be tested by Idah’s physical presence and opportunistic finishing. Additionally, the clash between Ronaldo and Ireland’s defensive stalwart Seamus Coleman could determine the attacking success for Portugal.
Tactical Analysis and Gameplay Prediction
Portugal are likely to employ a possession-based approach, leveraging their technical midfielders to maintain control and create scoring chances through quick transitions and overlapping full-backs. Expect Ronaldo to be at the centre of their attacking plays, with support from Jota and Bernardo Silva.
Ireland, meanwhile, will likely adopt a more conservative strategy, focusing on defensive solidity and quick counter-attacks. They will aim to exploit any defensive lapses from Portugal, especially considering the hosts have conceded in their last five matches. Set-pieces will be a significant weapon for Ireland, given their physicality and proficiency in aerial duels.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Portugal: Strengths:
- High technical ability and creativity in midfield, led by Bruno Fernandes.
- A potent attack featuring Ronaldo and Jota.
- Strong defensive foundation with Ruben Dias and Joao Cancelo.
Weaknesses:
- Recent defensive vulnerabilities, having conceded multiple goals in home games.
- Possible over-reliance on Ronaldo for goals.
Republic of Ireland: Strengths:
- Physicality and aerial strength, particularly in set-piece situations.
- Recent boost in confidence following a win against Hungary.
Weaknesses:
- Lack of technical prowess compared to Portugal, potentially leading to limited possession.
- Defensive inconsistencies and the challenge of containing Portugal’s attacking threat.
Managerial Analysis
Roberto Martinez is known for his attacking philosophy and fluid playing style. However, his tenure has seen mixed results, and his ability to shore up the defence remains in question. Martinez needs to demonstrate tactical flexibility and instil greater defensive discipline if Portugal are to excel at Euro 2024.
John O’Shea, still in the interim role, brings a pragmatic approach to Ireland. His focus on organisational structure and defensive resilience has been evident, but his side’s struggles in possession and creativity highlight areas needing improvement. O’Shea’s tactical nous will be tested against a more skilled Portuguese side.
Expected Goals Analysis
Portugal have displayed impressive attacking statistics, with an average of 3.6 goals per game in European Championship qualification. Their ability to create and convert chances makes them a formidable offensive unit. Conversely, Ireland have averaged 1.1 goals per game, indicating a more modest attacking output. Defensively, Portugal have conceded just 0.2 goals per game, reflecting their solidity despite recent lapses. Ireland’s 1.3 goals conceded per game points to a more vulnerable backline.
Predictions
Best Bet: Portugal to Win and Both Teams to Score Given Portugal’s recent defensive lapses and Ireland’s newfound confidence in attack, it is plausible that both teams will find the net. Portugal’s superior quality and attacking depth make them favourites to secure a victory, but their tendency to concede suggests that Ireland can score.
Correct Score: Portugal 3-1 Republic of Ireland Aligning with the best bet, a 3-1 scoreline seems likely. Portugal’s attacking firepower, coupled with Ireland’s ability to capitalise on defensive errors, supports this prediction. Martinez’s side should have enough to secure a convincing win while conceding a goal.
Goalscorer: Diogo Jota to Score Jota has been in fine form, netting in both June friendlies and showing consistency at the club level. His ability to find space and finish clinically makes him a strong candidate to score against Ireland.
Corners Prediction: Portugal to Win More Corners Portugal’s attacking dominance is likely to result in more corner opportunities. With an average of 7.2 corners per game, they should outmatch Ireland, who average 7. Ireland’s defensive stance will likely concede numerous corners to Portugal’s relentless pressure.
Innovative Market: Total Cards Over 3.5 Given the competitive nature of the match and Ireland’s physical style, expect a high card count. Portugal’s players are likely to face aggressive challenges, potentially resulting in over 3.5 cards in the game.
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