Ireland prepare to challenge Portugal on Thursday night, with each side eager to strengthen their case for a place at the 2026 finals in North America.
The Aviva Stadium is set for a vibrant atmosphere, with the hosts determined to make home advantage count against a Portuguese outfit full of attacking talent.
Ireland vs Portugal – Predicted lineup and team news
Ireland team news
The Republic of Ireland face several selection headaches as they gear up for this showdown. Star striker Evan Ferguson – the hero against Armenia in the last round – misses out after suffering an ankle injury while playing for Roma, leaving his participation in the upcoming Hungary fixture in doubt as well.
In his absence, both Troy Parrott and Adam Idah are competing for a spot up front. Meanwhile, Celtic’s Johnny Kenny, who has been in explosive form under interim boss Martin O’Neill with four goals in as many games, is also pushing for his senior debut.
Injuries and suspensions continue to shape Ireland’s options. Mark Sykes is ruled out due to a shin issue, while neither Sammie Szmodics nor Callum O’Dowda is available for selection. Ryan Manning and Jayson Molumby are currently serving suspensions, though both will be back for the final qualification fixture.
Goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, fresh from his transfer to Brentford for a package potentially rising to £18 million, looks set to be a steadying presence at the back.
Speaking to media ahead of the clash, Ireland assistant manager John O’Shea shared belief in the defence’s ability to once again frustrate Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal teammates: “Listen, we managed to stop him in the last game. Portugal have plenty of threats in the team. He (Ronaldo) had that shot from outside of the box but otherwise the team as a unit, defensively in particular, did brilliantly in the duels and the crosses we had to deal with.”
O’Shea stressed the need for collective discipline: “It will be a similar situation again on Thursday. We have to be tight, aggressive and have to clear crosses, the usual stuff that will go into a big Irish victory.”
Ireland predicted lineup vs Portugal
Possible Ireland starting XI: Kelleher; O’Brien, Collins, O’Shea; Coleman, Cullen, Taylor, Johnston; Ebosele, Azaz; Parrott
When will the match kick off?
The match will kick off at 7:45pm BST on Thursday, 13th November.
How to watch Ireland vs Portugal?
Fans in UK can watch the match on Premier Sports 1 and it will be also streamed through the Premier Sports Player app and via Amazon PPV service.
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