Portugal vs Ireland Prediction | WC Qualifiers – UEFA | 11 October 2025
Portugal host Republic of Ireland in a crucial World Cup qualifier. The hosts come into this game in fine form, while Ireland will aim to defend deep and counter effectively. Here’s a full match preview including lineups, stats, and predictions.
📅 Match Details
- Match: Portugal vs Republic of Ireland
- Competition: FIFA World Cup Qualifiers – UEFA, Group F
- Date: Saturday, 11 October 2025
- Venue: Estádio José Alvalade, Portugal
- Kick-off: 12:15 AM IST (approx.)
🔍 Team News & Key Updates
- Portugal are expected to start their strongest lineup, led by Cristiano Ronaldo.
- Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva will control the midfield creativity.
- João Cancelo and Nuno Mendes provide width and attacking options from the full-back positions.
- Ireland will rely on young striker Evan Ferguson, supported by Ogbene and Knight.
- Ireland’s defense, led by Nathan Collins, will be key in resisting Portugal’s pressure.
🧾 Probable Lineups
Portugal (Likely 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa
- Defenders: João Cancelo, Rúben Dias, Gonçalo Inácio, Nuno Mendes
- Midfielders: Vitinha, João Palhinha, Bruno Fernandes
- Forwards: Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pedro Neto
Republic of Ireland (Likely 3-5-2)
- Goalkeeper: Caoimhín Kelleher
- Defenders: Nathan Collins, Dara O’Shea, Jake O’Brien
- Midfielders: Ryan Manning, Jason Knight, Josh Cullen, Will Smallbone, Chiedozie Ogbene
- Forwards: Evan Ferguson, Adam Idah
📊 Key Stats & Insights
| Stat | Portugal | Ireland |
|---|---|---|
| Recent Form | 5 wins in last 6 matches | 1 win in last 5 matches |
| Goals Scored (last 5) | 14 | 3 |
| Goals Conceded (last 5) | 2 | 7 |
| Last Head-to-Head | Portugal 3-0 Ireland | 0 wins in last 4 vs Portugal |
| Possession Avg | 62% | 39% |
⭐ Key Players to Watch
Portugal
- Cristiano Ronaldo: Still a top scorer and clutch performer.
- Bruno Fernandes: Creative link between midfield and attack.
- Bernardo Silva: Technical dribbler and consistent playmaker.
Ireland
- Evan Ferguson: Young striker capable of shocking defenses.
- Jason Knight: Tireless box-to-box presence.
- Nathan Collins: Central to keeping Portugal’s attack at bay.
🔮 Match Prediction
- Full-Time Result: Portugal to win
- Predicted Score: Portugal 3-0 Ireland
- Reasoning: Portugal’s quality, home advantage, and goal-scoring depth should overpower Ireland’s defensive setup.
💰 Betting & Fantasy Tips
- Portugal to win (Safe pick)
- Over 2.5 goals (Likely outcome)
- Both Teams to Score: No
- Captain Pick: Cristiano Ronaldo
- Vice-Captain Pick: Bruno Fernandes
- Differential Pick: Pedro Neto
🧢 Fantasy Dream Team Suggestion
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Diogo Costa |
| Defenders | Cancelo, Dias, Nuno Mendes, Collins |
| Midfielders | Fernandes (VC), Silva, Knight |
| Forwards | Ronaldo (C), Neto, Ferguson |
⚠️ Disclaimer
This Portugal vs Ireland prediction is based on form, stats, and projected lineups. Final match results can differ due to tactical decisions, weather, or player performance. Use for analysis and entertainment purposes only.