Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson is facing a potential make-or-break World Cup qualifier against Portugal at the Aviva Stadium on Thursday as his side could jump into second place in Group F with a victory but also fall out of contention to progress if they suffer a defeat.
The Boys in Green were condemned to a narrow loss by their visitors in the reverse fixture, thanks to former Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves grabbing a stoppage time winner at the Jose Alvalade Stadium last month, and they have secured just one win from their four clashes as they aim to seal a spot in next year’s tournament.
Portugal, under the stewardship of head coach Roberto Martinez, have already guaranteed a minimum of a play-off berth and are aware that they will be confirmed as group winners if they overcome the Republic of Ireland for a second time in quick succession.
Republic of Ireland Team News
Evan Ferguson has been ruled out of featuring for the Republic of Ireland against Portugal due to an ankle injury, which resulted in Celtic striker Johnny Kenny being drafted into the squad earlier this week as cover in the final third of the pitch, but there is still a possibility that the Roma loanee will recover in time to face Hungary in the final World Cup qualifier on Sunday.
Bristol City midfielder Mark Sykes has pulled out of the squad after sustaining a gash on his leg during a Championship defeat to Blackburn Rovers last week, leading to Hibernian’s Jamie McGrath being called up as a replacement and challenging for his first cap since coming on as a substitute in a win against Finland 13 months ago.
O’Shea Drops Team News Update
Hallgrimsson’s assistant head coach John O’Shea has confirmed that Ferguson will not be involved on Thursday, but there is hope that he will prove his fitness ahead of the trip to Hungary later this week. When asked about the centre forward’s availability, the former Manchester United man said:
“Let’s wait and see. We were hopeful for both games, but the Portugal one is going to come round too quick. We were fully aware it was going to be a close call. Johnny’s coming in full of confidence, but let’s wait and see.”
Republic of Ireland Predicted XI
Republic of Ireland Predicted XI: Kelleher; O’Brien, Collins, O’Shea; Coleman, Cullen, Molumby, Manning; Ebosele, Azaz; Idah.
Republic of Ireland Predicted Substitutes: Bazunu (GK), Travers (GK), Scales (DEF), Egan (DEF), Dunne (DEF), Coventry (MID), Taylor (MID), McGrath (MID), Parrott (FWD), Johnston (FWD), Ogbene (FWD), Kenny (FWD).
Portugal Team News
Portugal will be without Chelsea wide forward Pedro Neto for the encounter in Dublin after he pulled out of the initial squad due to fitness issues, following discussions between the federation’s health and performance department and his club, while Pedro Goncalves is another certainty to not be involved.
The Sporting talisman limped off the pitch in a Primeira Liga victory over Azores-based side Santa Clara on Saturday and, following tests, is expected to be on the treatment table for several weeks with a muscle problem.
Club Brugge winger Carlos Forbs is vying for his first cap after earning his maiden call-up, while Al-Hilal full-back Joao Cancelo and Paris Saint-Germain central midfielder Joao Neves have been recalled after missing the October internationals through injury.
Martinez Drops Team News Update
Martinez has confirmed that Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo is still in the forefront of his plans and is on course to play a prominent role against the Republic of Ireland. He said:
“There is no other player with more than 200 caps. He is an example to the group and is very focused on qualifying.”
Portugal Predicted XI
Portugal Predicted XI: Costa; Semedo, Inacio, Dias, Cancelo; Fernandes, J. Neves, Vitinha; B. Silva, Ronaldo, Leao.
Portugal Predicted Substitutes: Sa (GK), R. Silva (GK), Dalot (DEF), Nunes (DEF), A. Silva (DEF), Veiga (DEF), Palhinha (MID), R. Neves (MID), Trincao (FWD), Conceicao (FWD), Forbs (FWD), Ramos (FWD).