After delivering another winner on Sunday, SlipsTips shares a Bet Builder double ahead of the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup qualifier with Portugal on Thursday night.
Republic of Ireland vs Portugal (Thursday, 19:45)
Targeting back-to-back wins in World Cup qualifying, the Republic of Ireland will look to spring a shock when they play host to Portugal on Thursday night.
Heimir Hallgrimsson’s hosts breathed some much-needed life into their bid to reach next year’s showpiece by defeating Armenia 1-0 in Dublin last month.
As for section leaders Portugal, they will be looking to get back on track after being held to an unexpected 2-2 draw when hosting Hungary last time out.
Josh Cullen To Commit 1+ Foul
For the first instalment of what will be a player-based double, I’m more than happy to include Josh Cullen to commit at least one foul on Thursday night. Across his three appearances during the current World Cup qualifying campaign, Cullen has committed a minimum of one foul on each occasion, overstepping the mark twice during the Republic of Ireland's home game with Hungary back on matchday one.
It’s also worth noting that Cullen’s combative streak has already seen him serve a suspension, with the Burnley midfielder collecting a yellow card in two of his three appearances in Group F to date.
Cullen has also been a frequent offender at club level this season, falling foul of the referee in each of his last six appearances in the Premier League for Burnley.
Now up against a Portugal side that is laced with world class talent, Cullen looks like a strong contender to commit a minimum of one foul during this showdown.
Bernardo Silva To Commit 1+ Foul
Elsewhere in the midfield battleground, I’m also keen to side with Portugal’s Bernardo Silva to commit one foul or more. The Portuguese ace is a player who is well known for being a fierce competitor, evidenced by the fact that he has committed a combined total of five fouls across his three outings for his country in the current World Cup qualifying campaign.
One of those misdemeanours came against the Republic of Ireland during last month’s reverse fixture in Porto, with Silva picking up a yellow card in the process.
Silva also tackled his way into the referee’s notebook during Man City’s 3-0 win over Liverpool on Sunday, with the 31-year-old giving away two free-kicks during that contest.
On top of all that, Silva has been guilty of an offence in each of Man City’s two Champions League games away from home this season, further strengthening the case for a repeat at the Aviva Stadium on Thursday night.
Recommended Bet
- Josh Cullen To Commit 1+ Foul
- Bernardo Silva To Commit 1+ Foul
- Bet Builder – 4/5 (Bet365)
Grant Heaney, aka SlipsTips, is a Freelance Football and Darts Writer with over six years experience. Grant has written football and darts betting content for some of the biggest betting websites and newspapers in the UK. He is a Falkirk season ticket holder and avid watcher of football and darts, whether it be UK-based or further afield. You can find all of his tips on X @SlipsTips
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