Date of Tips: 11/11/2025
Disclaimer The odds for these selections were correct at the time of publishing (11:25 11/11/2025) but may have changed since. Please check the latest price before placing your bet.
Date: Thursday, 13 November 2025
Kick-off: 20:45
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
A massive World Cup Qualifier night at the Aviva! It’s Ireland vs Portugal, and this one has all the ingredients for drama. For Ireland, it’s about keeping their qualification dream alive; for Portugal, a win seals their place at World Cup 2026. The stakes couldn’t be higher.
In our Ireland vs Portugal prediction, we’re expecting a tense encounter where Portugal’s firepower might just edge it. But let’s break it all down.
Ireland come into this clash on a high after their narrow 1-0 win over Armenia. It was Evan Ferguson who made the difference that night, striking in the 70th minute to secure all three points. Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side have looked spirited, though inconsistent, with five goals scored and six conceded in their last six outings.
There are, however, a few setbacks for the Boys in Green. Jayson Molumby and Ryan Manning are both suspended for this one, leaving gaps in midfield and at the back. On the flip side, there’s some exciting news as defender Kevin O’Toole from New York City earns his first senior call-up. Hallgrímsson will be hoping his side can make the most of the Dublin crowd’s energy.
As for Portugal, Roberto Martínez has plenty to smile about. His side drew 2-2 against Hungary in their last qualifier — a result that keeps them right on track. Cristiano Ronaldo was, of course, the man on the scoresheet with a first-half brace, continuing his red-hot form.
Good news for Portugal fans — João Cancelo is back fit after his recent injury, adding more experience to the back line. Meanwhile, young forward Carlos Forbs could be in line for his debut after impressing with Club Brugge in Europe.
Ireland (predicted XI):
Bazunu; Coleman, Egan, O’Toole; Doherty, Cullen, Knight, Browne; Johnston, Ferguson, Ogbene
Portugal (predicted XI):
Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Neves, Mendes; Fernandes, Vitinha, Silva; Leão, Ronaldo, Forbs
It’s hard to look past Portugal here. They’ve been dominant throughout qualifying and have scored in every one of their last six games, racking up 15 goals in total. Ireland, meanwhile, have found goals harder to come by and may struggle to keep up with Portugal’s pace and movement.
If you’re looking for a sensible angle, Portugal to win looks strong. You might also lean toward both teams scoring, given Ireland’s home form and the fact they’ll likely throw everything forward if they fall behind.
Cristiano Ronaldo to score anytime also feels like a realistic shout — he’s in great form and still Portugal’s go-to man in front of goal.
Well, it’s hard not to admire Ireland’s fight under Hallgrímsson. They’ll scrap for every ball, especially with qualification hopes on the line. But this Portugal side just looks too sharp, too organised, and too experienced.
Expect Ireland to make it tough early on, but once Portugal settle, their quality should shine through. With Fernandes and Silva pulling strings behind Ronaldo, the visitors have too many weapons not to score.
Match Prediction: Portugal to win. Bet with bet365.
Portugal’s last meeting with Ireland finished 1-0, but that didn’t tell the whole story — they dominated possession and created plenty of chances. Given that, a 3-0 or 3-1 away win feels realistic this time around. Ireland should at least threaten once, perhaps through Ferguson or Ogbene, but Portugal’s class will likely decide it.
Correct Score Prediction: Ireland 1 – 3 Portugal. Bet with bet365.
Looking at both teams’ recent form, goals seem likely. Portugal have averaged over 2.5 goals per game in their last six, while Ireland have seen both teams score in several of their recent fixtures.
The smart play? Go for Over 2.5 Goals. Portugal have enough attacking flair to cover that on their own, and if Ireland can sneak one, it’s an easy win for goal-backers.
Over/Under Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.
Here’s a simple Bet Builder idea for you to consider:
That combination reflects both the form book and the likely flow of the game.
Bet Builder Tip: Portugal to win, Over 2.5 goals, and Cristiano Ronaldo to score anytime. Bet with bet365.
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Portugal look too strong on paper and should edge this one comfortably, especially with Ronaldo back among the goals.
The game will take place at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
Kick-off is at 20:45 on Thursday, 13 November 2025.
Our prediction: Ireland 1 – 3 Portugal.