Armenia v Portugal
Armenia

Armenia vs Portugal

, KO: 17:00 , Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium
Portugal

Portugal head into the World Cup qualifiers on a high after being crowned Nations League champions and it would be a major surprise if they slipped up against Armenia.

Roberto Martinez's side weren't fancied at the Nations League finals but showed their class by beating hosts Germany in the semis before edging out Spain on penalties in the showpiece.

That proved they are capable of beating anyone on their day and the Portuguese could be dark horses for the World Cup next summer.

Martinez's side need to get there first but should top a group that also includes Hungary and the Republic of Ireland.

Armenia will do will to avoid finishing bottom of the section after a dreadful run of form over the last year.

They've won just one of their last nine games, a 2-1 victory in Latvia, and slumped to a nightmare 1-0 loss against the Faroe Islands in the Nations League.

How the bookies view it: Portugal to stroll it

With Armenia in such dismal form, they're 22/1 outsiders at BoyleSports for this one. Portugal are a tiny 2/13 and the draw reverses those odds at 13/2.

Head to head: Armenia out to make history

These nations have faced off just six times before and Armenia have yet to win, with four defeats and two draws. The last meeting was in Euro 2016 qualifying, with Portugal winning 2-3 in Armenia after a 1-0 win in Lisbon.

Players to watch: Joao with the flow

Joao Neves comes into this game on a high after scoring one of the best hat-tricks you're ever likely to see for PSG against Toulouse. He has never scored for Portugal but could be worth a punt for anytime scorer at 4/1 with BoyleSports.

Borussia Monchengladbach's Grant-Leon Ranos fell out with Armenian boss Johnny Van't Schip but has returned to the fold since the Dutchman was sacked last month. He looks like their best bet for a goal and the 22-year-old is 6/1 for anytime scorer.

Probable line-ups

Armenian midfielder Narek Grigoryan misses out with injury and it will be interesting to see if Martinez continues to hand golden oldie Cristiano Ronaldo a starting slot in yet another campaign at the age of 40.

Armenia: Cancarevic, Muradyan, Mkrtchyan, Tiknizyan, Harutyunyan, Iwu, Sevikyan, Spertsyan, Barseghyan, Hovhannisyan, Ranos.

Portugal: D Costa, Dias, Inacio, Mendes, Fernandes, Cancelo, Neves, Vitinha, Ronaldo, Neto, Conceicao.

Anything else catch the eye?

Armenia have been leaking goals of late, shipping six to Georgia and five against Kosovo, so it could get ugly for them here if Portugal are in the mood and manage to make an early breakthrough.

That makes over 3.5 goals pretty appealing at 5/4 with BoyleSports and you can boost the odds to a decent 7/5 by adding on the Portugal win. Backing Martinez's men to win both halves also looks decent at 11/10 with the same firm.

I'd imagine Armenia will set up to frustrate so going for Portugal corners could be another path to profits. Backing over 7.5 Portugal corners pays 11/10 but I'm more drawn to Portugal -5.5 in the corner handicap, which is 6/5 at BoyleSports.

Armenia vs Portugal Betting Tips & Predictions
Joao Neves anytime scorer
4/1
Boylesports
Portugal win and over 3.5 goals
7/5
Boylesports
Portugal -5.5 corner handicap
6/5
Boylesports
Further Reading
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