Portugal vs Rep of Ireland predictions: Hosts set for big pre-Euros win

- Portugal won all 10 qualifying games for the Euros
- Ireland have only won two of their last nine matches
- Recommended bet: Over 2.5 Portugal goals

Portugal’s final warm-up game for Euro 2024 sees the Group F favourites host Republic of Ireland, who impressively beat Hungary in a friendly last week.

Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing for what is expected to be his last major tournament and the Portuguese should sign off with plenty of goals and a home win before they fully switch focus to their campaign in Germany.

The hosts have had a hectic recent schedule, playing two warm-up friendlies already, while the Irish failed to make the Euros after finishing fourth in a tough qualifying group behind France, Netherlands and Greece.

Team news

Ronaldo was rested for the recent 2-1 friendly defeat against Croatia, but should play some part on Tuesday.

Roberto Martinez is also likely to recall Diogo Jota, Nelson Semedo, Rafael Leao and Joao Cancelo to his starting line-up.

Ireland are expected to field as strong a side as possible with prolific Blackburn striker Sammie Szmodics up front, supported by the likes of Robbie Brady and Adam Idah.

Interim boss John O'Shea is also likely to include Josh Cullen, Shane Duffy and Matt Doherty for the clash in Aveiro, while Troy Parrott will hope to earn a start after scoring the late winner against Hungary last week.

The stats

Portugal qualified for the Euros with a perfect 10-from-10 winning record, the only nation to do so.

Since qualifying, however, Martinez's side have lost to Slovenia and Croatia in friendlies, while beating Finland and Sweden.

Portugal have scored three or more goals in seven of their last nine home matches.

Ireland did not qualify for Euro 2024, meaning they have now failed to make the last two continental tournaments, having been involved in the previous two in 2012 and 2016.

The win over Hungary was Ireland’s first victory in five games and only their second success in nine outings.

Prediction

Ireland raised a few eyebrows beating Hungary, with their 2-1 win Dublin ending the visitors' proud 14-game unbeaten run.

However, warm-up games for major tournaments can sometimes be misleading and these games can throw up shock results as managers experiment and players attempt to avoid injury.

This clash should, though, follow an expected pattern. The hosts will be keen to sign off for the summer tournament in style by securing a big win.

Portugal usually rack up the goals at home and they should dominate an Irish outfit who, in contrast, will not be focused on fine-tuning for a major tournament.

Martinez's men should comfortably win to zero against opponents who have only scored three goals in their last five games.

Back over 2.5 Portugal goals at 59/50 with LiveScore Bet.

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