IT’S the business end of World Cup qualification with tickets to Qatar and play-off slots up for grabs in the final two games.
Ireland sadly only have pride to play for in Dublin tonight but it’s a different story for their Portuguese opponents.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Co need a win to jump back above Serbia in Group A ahead of a decider in Lisbon on Sunday.
That’s why Portugal are McBookie’s 1/3 hot favourites with the Irish as big as 10 with SBK and the draw paying 17/4 at Mansionbet.
But Ireland are finally starting to find form, going four unbeaten, and only lost 2-1 in the Algarve thanks to a late Ronaldo double.
The Manchester United ace is just 8/11 (Unibet) for a goal tonight but Liverpool’s Diogo Jota is better value at 33/20 with Mansionbet.
The Irish picked up four yellows in Portugal and Jayson Molumby appeals for a card (18/5, BetVictor) if he starts in midfield.
Group B is heading for a thrilling climax with Sweden leading Spain by just two points in the race for automatic qualification.
The top two face off in Seville on Sunday but first must negotiate tricky ties away from home tonight.
The Swedes are in Georgia while Spain visit Greece and I’m going to back both to win, with the double paying 109/100 with McBookie.
Group H is in an identical situation with Russia leading Croatia by two points and the nations facing off in Split on Sunday.
The Russians host Cyprus tonight while Croatia travel to Malta and I’m going to back comfortable wins for both teams. Doubling
Russia -1 in the handicaps with Croatia -1 pays 127/100 at SkyBet.
Super Single
- Diogo Jota to score (33/20, Mansionbet)
Deadly Double
- Russia and Croatia -1 handicap (127/100, SkyBet)
McBookie Bet Builder
- Combining a Spain win with over 2.5 goals pays 139/100
I'm a sports journalist, football tipster and author from Dundee, who is now working in Glasgow. I've covered games at every level, from Junior football to internationals, and still love football even though it has clearly sold its soul. I've been in football tipping since 2018 with the MFT site.
