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The game will kick off at 7:45 pm and will take place at the Estadio Algarve – no away fans are permitted to attend, under UEFA rules.

The Republic of Ireland have had a rough start to their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, with losses to Serbia and Luxembourg putting them on the back foot after only two games.

Portugal, on the other hand, are top of Group A after three games after two wins and one draw – the draw being against Serbia.

Ireland called up a 25-man squad for the international break and a strong eleven is expected to be crafted from it tonight.

Caoimhin Kelleher and Gavin Bazunu are both available for selection between the sticks and head coach Stephen Kenny could choose either one of them.

Norwich City defender Andrew Omobamidele could be in line to make his senior international debut tonight, potentially in a three-man defence.

Shane Duffy, John Egan and Ryan Manning are also available for selection for tonight’s fixture.

West from loanee Jayson Molumby and Anderlecht’s Josh Cullen are expected to appear in midfield for the side.

Kenny could opt for a young frontline with three forwards aged 21 and under called up for international duty.

Joao Felix and Renato Sanches were named in the Portugal squad for the September international break but are currently sidelined through injury.

Captain Cristiano Ronaldo will be fit and looking to score the goal that will make him the stand-alone top goalscorer in international football – he is currently tied with Iran’s Ali Daei on 109.

Fellow Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes will also be available for tonight’s World Cup qualification clash.

It’s impossible to look past the quality of the Portuguese squad when considering the outcome of this encounter – it is unlikely Ireland will come away with a result.

Lineups
Portugal have wheeled out the artillery: Rui Patricio; Cancelo, Pepe, Dias, Guerreiro; Joao Paulinha, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes; Diogo Jota, Andre Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo

Odds

Portugal 1/7

Draw 11/2

Republic of Ireland 17/1

Where To Watch

The match will kick-off at 7:45 pm Irish Standard Time. It will be available to watch on RTÉ 2 with coverage starting at 7 pm. It will also be available to watch on Sky Sports Premier League at 7:30 pm.

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Moreover, the sports governing body said it has added a competition stage to the club guidelines. This will now allow the season to return in September. RTE Sport report that the five week contact training was also factored in to the plans. It was also revealed the IRFU will be modifying the 2020/2021 season. In a statement on Thursday the IRFU said, “The IRFU are now in a position to add a ‘Competition Stage’ to their Return To Rugby Guidelines For Clubs,”.

The statement continued, This is to allow clubs to plan and work towards the start of the 2020/21 season and the playing of rugby matches”. September has been given as the month in which rugby matches will be permitted to return for clubs. A specific date for the restart of games will not be announced until further clarity. It said also, “The given date will also factor in a minimum window of five weeks permitted for contact training ahead of a return to rugby matches”.

They said that all clubs are currently in the Covid 18 Safety Planning Stage. “All clubs are currently in the Covid-19 Safety Planning Stage, which they must complete before moving to the resumption of training at any level”. The IRFU said they also recognise travel, safety and expense and they therefore have tailored the season to suit this. “The governing body recognises concerns over travel, safety and expense and this will be reflected in the season’s structure. Clubs should expect that games at the start of the season will be kept local where practicable.”

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