THE ULTRA SATURDAY: The Ultra previews PORTUGAL v REPUBLIC OF IRELAND with a recommended BETDAQ bet.
PORTUGAL V REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
7.45pm The World Cup Qualifiers continue on Betdaq Betting Exchange as Portugal host the Republic of Ireland on Saturday. Most football fans will view this fixture as a straightforward assignment for Ronaldo and co given Portugal have home advantage. Ireland have been exceptionally poor for a number of years now, and any optimism they had coming into qualification has quickly drained away following a 2-1 loss against Armenia last time out.
Portugal have ticked their boxes with two wins from two games, an easy 5-0 win away to Armenia and a very entertaining 3-2 away win against Hungary. They were always fully expected to top this Group without much fuss, the battle for second was between Hungary and Ireland; but even with a 2-2 draw in Dublin that seems to be close to over given the Irish loss against Armenia. It’s no surprise to see Portugal come into this game as the red-hot favourites – it really is a sign of the times that Ireland are going through that Portugal are this short.
Portugal are trading 1.16 with Republic of Ireland 28.0 and the draw is 9.0 at the time of writing. It’s extremely difficult to see past a comfortable win for Portugal here, so we’ll have to look around the side markets for some value. I feel this a case of how many goals can Portugal score rather than will they win. I know Ireland have been through a lot in recent years, but it almost feels like they have gone backwards again recently. Playing Ireland will always remind Portugal of the draw that put Portugal into the playoffs for the World Cup in 2022 – thankfully they came through that playoff because North Macedonia knocked out Italy before the Path C Final!
Ireland are in a very poor situation in this Group given their results, a draw will mean little to them in terms of qualifying, but you’d assume under normal circumstances they would arrive here to play for a draw. Sometimes these types of games suit Ireland, when they don’t see a lot of the ball and can counter-attack. They just lack quality these days, especially going forward. I feel Portugal can keep a clean sheet here on the way to winning, and I’m happy to back Both Teams Not To Score at 1.59.
The Ultra Says:
Two points win Both Teams Not To Score at 1.59 on BETDAQ BETTING EXCHANGE.
You can view all markets here -> https://betdaq.biz/PorIrl
