Eire shall be trying to decide up their first victory of the 2026 World Cup qualifying marketing campaign, however the job doesn’t get a lot trickier as they journey to Lisbon to face an in-form Portugal aspect.
Portugal, the reigning Nations League champions, are unbeaten in 5 matches and have began qualifying in ruthless style, thrashing Armenia 5-0 earlier than beating Hungary 3-2 in early September.
In the meantime, Eire, beneath the administration of Heimir Hallgrimsson, are winless in 4 and have to date picked up only one level in Group F following a 2-2 draw with Hungary and 2-1 defeat to Armenia.
Hallgrimsson admitted his aspect want a “almost excellent sport” if they’re to get something from the match with Portugal, who, in 40-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, have a participant with one more goalscoring report in his sights.
After his penalty in opposition to Hungary final month, Ronaldo is only one objective away from changing into the out-right high scorer in males’s World Cup qualifying historical past.
He’s at present tied on 39 objectives with Guatemala’s now-retired Carlos Ruiz, and three forward of Lionel Messi.
Portugal group information
Portugal boss Roberto Martinez makes two adjustments from the aspect that edged to a 3-2 win over Hungary final day trip.
Diogo Dalot replaces Joao Cancelo, the match-winner in Budapest, at right-back. Cancelo is absent from the squad resulting from damage.
Joao Neves can also be lacking due to a thigh difficulty. Ruben Neves takes his place in midfield after beginning in defence in opposition to Hungary. Goncalo Inacio companions Ruben Dias at centre-back.
Portugal: Costa; Dalot, Inacio, Dias, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Fernandes; Bernardo, Ronaldo, Neto.
Eire group information
Eire make three adjustments from the aspect that misplaced to Armenia 2-1 of their earlier fixture.
Seamus Coleman, Jayson Molumby and Festy Ebosele all come into the aspect.
Jayson Knight, Jack Taylor and Finn Azaz all drop out of the XI in a defensive set-up for the guests.
Eire: Kelleher; Collins, O’Shea, O’Brien; Coleman, Ebosele, Cullen, Molumby, Manning; Ferguson, Ogbene.
