Another qualifying campaign has already turned sour for the Republic of Ireland and it's hard to see things improving when they head to Portugal.
Coming from 2-0 down to claim a point at home to Hungary hinted that the Irish might stand a chance of sealing a play-off slot.
But they then slumped to a terrible 2-1 loss away to Armenia, with all three of my recommended bets coming up.
Under-pressure boss Heimir Hallgrimsson now takes his side to Lisbon to face a Portugal side who have made a flying start in Group F.
They crushed Armenia 5-0 in the opening game then claimed a thrilling 3-2 win on the road in Hungary, bringing up two more bets for me.
It would be a major surprise if the Portuguese didn't win this group with a bit to spare and the Irish will struggle to keep their star-studded attack at bay.
How the bookies view it: Ireland up against it
Given the respective form of both sides, it's no surprise to see the Irish as 22/1 outsiders with BoyleSports. Portugal are just 2/13 for the win and the draw pays 13/2.
Head to head: Portuguese on a roll
Portugal are unbeaten in their last four games against the Republic of Ireland. They've won three of those games, including a 3-0 stroll when these sides last faced off in a friendly last year.
Players to watch: Ronaldo's not running on empty
Golden oldie Cristiano Ronaldo keeps producing for his country and has scored three times across the first two qualifiers. He's just 1/2 for anytime scorer at BoyleSports but backing the 40-year-old for an assist offers more value at 10/3 with Bet365.
Evan Ferguson delivered for me in that loss to Armenia and the Roma striker has netted in both qualifiers so far. He looks Ireland's best bet for a goal and is 6/1 at BoyleSports.
Probable line-ups
Portugal will be without PSG midfielder Joao Neves after he pulled out with an injury. Experienced full-back Joao Cancelo is another absentee.
Ireland are sweating on the fitness of Troy Parrott, with the AZ Alkmaar striker having just returned from injury. Veteran Seamus Coleman should deputise for the injured Matt Doherty.
Portugal: Costa, N Mendes, Dias, Silva, Semedo, Vitinha, Fernandes, B Silva, Neto, Felix, Ronaldo.
Republic of Ireland: Kelleher, Coleman, O'Brien, Collins, O'Shea, Manning, Cullen, Molumby, Smozdics, Azaz, Ferguson.
Anything else catch the eye?
It's hard finding value with Portugal such heavy favourites but backing the home side to win both halves looks decent at a boosted 5/4 with BoyleSports.
Hallgrimsson will probably set his side up to frustrate and that could lead to the corner count racking up. Over 7.5 Portuguese corners pays 11/10 at BoyleSports while over 4.5 first-half corners looks a bit safer at 21/20.
Backing some Irish players to go into the book looks like a good move but I've yet to see any prices. Midfield duo Josh Cullen and Jason Molumby are probably the most likely to get in trouble with the referee.
GambleAware