Portugal take on the Republic of Ireland in the World Cup qualifiers this Tuesday as the 2016 European champions look to pull clear at the summit. Read on for our expert tips and predictions.

Portugal have won only one of their four clashes with Ireland in all competitions. The one win turns out to be the most recent meeting between both sides in which the Portuguese hammered their opponents in an international friendly back in 2014.

A Seleção looking to get back on their groove

It was quite clear that the Portuguese would have a tough time at the 2020 European Championship right from the get-go as they found themselves in the same group with the past two World Champions; France and Germany. The reigning champions managed to qualify in 3rd place but were outdone by Belgium in the first knockout round thanks to a Thorgan Hazard worldie. As of now, the dethroned champions would be looking to continue their decent form in the World Cup qualifiers having picked up seven points from their opening three matches. All eyes would be on Cristiano Ronaldo as the Manchester United ace looks to surpass Ali Daei as the highest-scoring international player in history.

Stephen Kenny's record as the Ireland manager isn't a feat to be proud of as he has led his side to just one win in 13 games since his appointment. Having failed to win in two Nations League matches, and then losing their first two World Cup qualifying games against Serbia and Luxembourg, it was back to the drawing board time and time again for Stephen Kenny. His one win was in one of the friendly matches back in June as they beat Andorra 4-1. It is then left to see whether they can manage to pick up some points in the trio of games they have during this international break as they look to book themselves a place in the World Cup for the first time since 2002.

Portugal vs Ireland Team News

Portugal possible starting XI:

Patricio; Cancelo, Pepe, Dias, Guerreiro; Pereira, Moutinho, Fernandes; B. Silva, Ronaldo, Jota

Ireland possible starting XI:

Kelleher; Egan, Duffy, O'Shea; Doherty, Hendrick, Hourihane, Cullen, McClean; Connolly, Idah

Portugal vs Ireland Prediction: 2-0

We see the Portuguese getting the better of a struggling Ireland side most especially with Cristiano Ronaldo looking to become the all time leading goal scorer in international football.