Ireland vs Portugal prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups, 13.11.2025
Ireland welcome Portugal to Dublin for what’s shaping up to be a huge Euro 2025 qualifier on Thursday night. The Boys in Green are still fighting to stay in the mix for a playoff spot, while Portugal have already punched their ticket to the next round but still want to finish strong.
It’s a classic “nothing to lose” vs “everything to prove” kind of game — and that could make things spicy at the Aviva Stadium.
Form Guide
Ireland’s form has been a mixed bag lately. They grabbed a narrow win over Luxembourg but then suffered back-to-back losses against Serbia and Croatia. Manager Stephen Kenny’s men have struggled for consistency, especially in attack, where goals have been hard to come by.
Portugal, meanwhile, are cruising. They’ve won nearly every qualifier so far and are scoring for fun. With Bruno Fernandes and Rafael Leão pulling the strings, they look dangerous every time they go forward.
Ireland’s last five games: L-L-W-D-L
Portugal’s last five games: W-W-W-W-D
Head-to-Head
Portugal have the upper hand historically. The last time these two met, the Selecão came out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva.
Ireland, however, have shown they can frustrate Portugal on home soil. Who could forget their gritty 0-0 draw in 2021? They’ll be hoping for something similar — or better — this time around.
Last 5 meetings:
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Portugal 2–0 Ireland
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Ireland 0–0 Portugal
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Portugal 5–1 Ireland
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Ireland 1–3 Portugal
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Portugal 1–1 Ireland
Team News
Ireland have a few injury headaches. Seamus Coleman is a doubt, and striker Adam Idah faces a late fitness test. Expect Evan Ferguson to lead the line, with Chiedozie Ogbene offering pace on the wings.
Portugal’s squad is stacked, as always. Ronaldo is expected to start, alongside João Félix and Bernardo Silva. Diogo Dalot and Nuno Mendes should slot in at full-back, giving them plenty of width.
Ireland probable lineup: Bazunu; Doherty, Collins, Egan, McClean; Cullen, Knight; Ogbene, Browne, Brady; Ferguson.
Portugal probable lineup: Costa; Dalot, Dias, Inácio, Mendes; Neves, Fernandes, Vitinha; Silva, Ronaldo, Leão.
Prediction
It’s hard to see past Portugal here. They’ve got too much firepower and depth, while Ireland’s main hope will be to stay organized and maybe nick a goal from a set piece.
Prediction: Ireland 0–2 Portugal
Players to Watch
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Evan Ferguson (Ireland): The Brighton striker will be Ireland’s biggest threat up top. If he gets service, he can cause problems.
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Bruno Fernandes (Portugal): The midfield maestro has been in top form, pulling the strings and contributing goals.
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Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal): Still a difference-maker, especially in tight matches like this.
Betting Tips
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Portugal to win ✅ (They’ve been ruthless lately)
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Both teams to score – No 🚫 (Ireland rarely score against big sides)
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Ronaldo to score anytime ⚽ (You just can’t bet against him)
Wrap-Up
Ireland will fight with pride in front of their home fans, but Portugal’s class and experience might be too much in the end. Expect a disciplined Irish performance, yet the Selecão should walk away with all three points.
Final call: Portugal to win 2–0.