Portugal v Republic of Ireland: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Portugal have enjoyed mixed fortunes in their Euro 2024 warm-up matches and they will be eager to finish off on a positive note when taking on Republic of Ireland at Estadio Municipal de Aveiro.

The Portuguese kicked off their June schedule with a 4-2 success at home to Finland before following up with a 2-1 loss at home to Croatia just four days later.

Meanwhile, Ireland have had a full week to recover since last Tuesday’s 2-1 victory over Hungary in Dublin.

Missing out on Euro 2024 was a blow for the Boys in Green, but they have put in some better performances this year and have another chance to impress in a high-profile fixture.

Portugal v Republic of Ireland predictions

Portugal and over 3.5 goals - 8/5

Portugal were the top scorers in Euro 2024 qualifying with 36 goals in 10 matches and their home fixture with Republic of Ireland should generate plenty of entertainment alongside a favourable result.

Roberto Martinez has been Portugal’s head coach for only 17 months, but he should be fairly pleased with the progress made in terms of results and style of play.

Martinez’s side maintained a 100 per cent record during qualifying and were assured of their place at the finals with three games left to play.

Portugal have been playing some free-flowing football and their defence was rarely tested on the road to Euro 2024.

However, there have been a few more worrying signs in recent friendly encounters.

They shipped two second-half goals in last Tuesday’s 4-2 success at home to Finland and defensive slackness was costly at the weekend when they lost 2-1 at home to Croatia.

Portugal will be looking for improvement against the Irish, but their offensive style of play is non-negotiable and it should contribute to another high-scoring outcome.

The contest with Croatia was evenly balanced with Portugal edging the possession share 55 to 45 and losing the shot count 16 to 15.

Playing against the Irish should allow Martinez’s side to exert a little bit more control, although they might find themselves vulnerable to counter-attack situations.

Republic of Ireland fell a long way short in Euro 2024 qualifying but they have been making promising short-term progress under interim manager John O’Shea, who was handed the reins earlier this year.

Last Tuesday’s 2-1 success at home to Hungary was their first victory under O’Shea and showed that they can carry a threat without injury-hit Brighton forward Evan Ferguson, who has missed out on summer squad selection.

O’Shea’s charges could cause a few problems for Portugal, but they may struggle to avoid defeat.

Cristiano Ronaldo to score the first goal - 9/4

Cristiano Ronaldo was an unused substitute for Portugal’s 2-1 loss at home to Croatia on Saturday, but he should be involved from the off this time around and can make his mark by scoring the opening goal.

Euro 2024 will be Ronaldo’s sixth European Championships and he approaches the tournament in fine spirits after scoring 35 goals for Al-Nassr in his first season in the Saudi Pro League.

The 39-year-old is the all-time top scorer in international football with 128 goals and looks a solid bet to break the deadlock here.

Both teams to score - 1/1

Portugal have been involved in a couple of entertaining games this month and the high-scoring trend could continue against the Irish in Aveiro.

The Portuguese have netted ten goals across their last four friendlies but have failed to keep a clean sheet on each of those occasions.

Ireland will have their work cut out in defence, but they will not be afraid to spring forward whenever the opportunity arises.

The Boys in Green have scored in five of their last six matches against Portugal and they can find the net on Tuesday.

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Portugal v Republic of Ireland odds

Portugal - 1/4
Draw - 5/1
Ireland - 17/2

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.