Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifier between the Republic of Ireland and Portugal.
The Republic of Ireland take on Portugal in a 2022 World Cup qualification game on Thursday night at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Here is everything you need to know about the match, including squad news, form, odds and TV channel details.
Who are Ireland playing against?
Stephen Kenny’s side are taking on Portugal, the 2016 European champions who are currently ranked 8th in the Fifa world rankings.
Portugal have an extremely talented squad, which features players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Jota, Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo and Bernardo Silva.
They beat Ireland 2-1 with two late goals from Ronaldo in the reverse fixture back in September.
Ireland v Portugal: What is at stake?
Portugal have the chance to take a step closer to automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup in Qatar.
Fernando Santos’ team are currently second in Group A with 16 points from six games. They have a game in hand on Serbia, who are a point ahead of them. The two teams meet in the final game of the group in Lisbon on Sunday.
Portugal are already guaranteed a playoff spot, but they can move towards the World Cup with a victory over Ireland.
Ireland cannot qualify for next year’s tournament. However, there is pride at stake and an opportunity to build on October’s positive results.
What is Ireland’s form going into the game against Portugal?
Kenny has been in charge for 18 matches as manager and has recorded three wins so far. The national team, however, appear to have turned a corner.
Last month, Ireland registered a 3-0 win over Azerbaijan and a 4-0 victory against Qatar. The form of Callum Robinson, who scored five goals for the Boys in Green in October, will be key for Kenny’s team.
There are signs of promise as Ireland head into the Nations League campaign next year and, more importantly, the qualification campaign for Euro 2024.
Kenny’s side will also be cheered on by a capacity crowd in Dublin on Thursday night, the first time the Aviva Stadium has been full for a football match since November 2019, before the pandemic began.
Ireland v Portugal: What are the odds?
Ireland have odds of 8/1 to win the match on Thursday night. The draw is 15/4 and Portugal are 1/3 on.
(All odds are correct as of Monday morning, and are via Paddy Power).
What TV channel is the Ireland v Portugal match on?
The Ireland v match will be shown live on terrestrial television in Ireland on Thursday, November 11.
RTÈ 2 will broadcast the game live and their coverage begins at 7 pm, with kick-off at 7:45 pm. The match will also be available to stream live on RTÉ Player.
If you would prefer to watch the game on Sky Sports, it will also be shown live on Sky Sports Football. Their coverage also begins at 7:30 pm.
Virgin Media will show highlights of the Ireland v Portugal game at 10 pm on Virgin Media 2.
Who is in the Ireland squad?
Kenny named a 26-man squad for the games against Portugal and Luxembourg. Callum O’Dowda was not in the original squad but has been called up to replace James Collins, who has been ruled out through injury.
Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Gavin Bazunu (Portsmouth, on loan from Manchester City), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth).Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Ryan Manning (Swansea City), Enda Stevens (Sheffield United), James McClean (Wigan Athletic), Shane Duffy (Brighton and Hove Albion), John Egan (Sheffield United), Andrew Omobamidele (Norwich City), Nathan Collins (Burnley). Midfielders: Conor Hourihane (Sheffield United, on loan from Aston Villa), Josh Cullen (Anderlecht), Jeff Hendrick (Newcastle United), Jason Knight (Derby County), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion, on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Jamie McGrath (St. Mirren).Forwards: Callum Robinson (West Bromwich Albion), Troy Parrott (MK Dons, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Adam Idah (Norwich City), Callum O’Dowda (Bristol City), Will Keane (Wigan Athletic), Chiedozie Ogbene (Rotherham United), Daryl Horgan (Wycombe Wanderers).
What is Ireland’s starting line-up?
Kenny will name his starting XI an hour before kick-off on Thursday.
