Portugal will look to seal top spot in Group F on Sunday afternoon as they welcome already-eliminated Armenia to the Estadio do Dragao.
Roberto Martinez’s men made the perfect start to their World Cup qualifying campaign, winning each of their opening three matches in Group F, including a 0-5 thrashing of Armenia in the reverse fixture at the beginning of September.
However, the Selecao conceded an injury-time goal to draw 2-2 at home to Hungary on MD4, before losing 2-0 in Dublin against the Republic of Ireland on Thursday night.
Nevertheless, Portugal are still two points clear of second-placed Hungary in the table, and know a win over Armenia will seal their ticket to next summer’s World Cup.
Armenia’s slim hopes of a playoff place in Group F were dashed on Thursday night, as they were beaten 0-1 at home to Hungary on an evening one of my two selections landed.
Yegishe Melikyan’s visitors have now lost four of their opening five qualifiers, losing both of their away trips against Hungary and the Republic of Ireland last month without scoring.
How the bookies view it: Portugal clear favourites
As expected, Portugal are clear favourites to bounce back from their defeat in Dublin on Thursday night, with BOYLE Sports pricing a home success at just 1/14.
The same firm has Armenia as massive 25/1 underdogs, whilst the draw is also unfancied at 10/1.
Head to head: Portuguese dominance
Portugal are unbeaten in all seven of their meetings with Armenia (W5-D2-L0), winning each of their last four, including a 0-5 victory in Yerevan at the beginning of September.
Players to watch: Felix to find the target again?
Joao Felix has made a sensational start to his Al-Nassr career, scoring 14 goals across his opening 16 appearances for the Saudi club following his summer switch from Chelsea.
Felix also bagged a brace in the reverse fixture between these two sides back in September, and he is an appealing 10/11 at Bet365 to get on the scoresheet in Porto on Sunday afternoon.
Predicted line-ups:
Portugal will be missing the suspended Cristiano Ronaldo following his red card in Dublin on Thursday evening, but former Manchester United teammate Bruno Fernandes returns from his own suspension.
Armenia appears to have no new injury concerns following their defeat to Hungary on Thursday night.
Portugal: Costa, Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Dalot, Neves, Vitinha, Silva, Fernandes, Felix, Ramos
Armenia: Avagyan, Piloyan, Muradyan, Mktrchyan, Hovhannisyan, Muradyan, Sperstian, Tiknizyan, Sevikyan, Shaghoyan, Ramos
Anything else catch the eye?
I was one of many who didn’t anticipate Portugal’s defeat to the Republic of Ireland on Thursday night, but I fully expect them to return to winning ways on Sunday.
Armenia have failed to score in all four of their defeats in Group F, and the 4/6 on offer at William Hill for a Portugal Win to Nil appears to be banker material, albeit a little short in terms of price.
Prior to their 2-0 defeat on Thursday night, three of Portugal’s opening four qualifiers saw over 3.5 Goals – including a 0-5 success in the reverse fixture in September – and the 4/5 on offer at William Hill for a Portugal Win & over 3.5 Goals appeals despite Cristiano Ronaldo missing.
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