Football: Portugal vs Republic of Ireland Tips

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Irish defence set for another tough test

The Republic of Ireland endured a disappointing start to their World Cup qualifying campaign in September and they are massive outsiders to beat Portugal on Saturday.

They head to Lisbon after drawing 2-2 at home to Hungary and losing 2-1 in Armenia last month, leaving them five points off the pace in qualifying Group F.

Portugal are top of the section, having thrashed Armenia 5-0 and beaten Hungary 3-2 thanks to goals from Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Cancelo.

Both teams have scored in eight of Portugal's last nine wins and they beat Spain on penalties after a 2-2 draw in June's Nations League final.

Over 3.5 goals has been a winning bet in four of their last five outings and another high-scoring victory is on the cards against Ireland.

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Joao Neves is a notable injury absentee but Portugal's squad is packed with attacking talent and Ireland's last away result in the 2024-25 Nations League was a 5-0 defeat to England.

Portugal vs Republic of Ireland tip 1: Portugal to win & over 3.5 goals @ 11/8 with BOYLE Sports

Mendes goal threat could be underrated

Portugal's attacking options include 141-goal top scorer Ronaldo, PSG striker Goncalo Ramos, Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes and exciting wingers Pedro Neto, Rafael Leao, Francisco Trincao and Francisco Conceicao.

But the goal threats to the Republic of Ireland do not end there and left-back Nuno Mendes is a tempting bet to score at any time in Lisbon.

The 23-year-old has had an excellent start to the season for PSG and, with Portugal expected to dominate possession, he should have licence to get forward against Ireland.

Mendes scored in two of his last four club appearances, against Atalanta in the Champions League and Lille in Ligue 1, and he was also on target against European champions Spain in the Nations League final.

Portugal vs Republic of Ireland tip 2: Nuno Mendes to score @ 7/1 with BOYLE Sports

Expect hosts to make fast start in Lisbon

Portugal had to come from behind in their Nations League Finals successes against Germany and Spain but they should make a faster start to Friday's game.

Roberto Martinez's men were 3-0 up at the break in their opening World Cup qualifier against Armenia and they could take charge early on against the Republic of Ireland.

Midfielder Jayson Molumby is back in the Ireland squad and he looks a likely candidate to receive a yellow card.

Molumby picked up 10 bookings in 30 Championship starts for West Brom last season and he can expect a gruelling shift against a Portugal midfield unit including Champions League winner Vitinha.

Another Ireland player who may fall foul of the referee is centre-back Nathan Collins, who has been booked in three of his first seven Premier League starts for Brentford this term.

Collins also collected yellow cards in the second leg of March's Nations League play-off against Bulgaria and last month's World Cup qualifier against Hungary.

Portugal vs Republic of Ireland tip 3: Bet Builder - Portugal to be leading at half-time, Jayson Molumby to be booked & Nathan Collins to be booked @ 10/1 with BOYLE Sports