Armenia vs Ireland predictions, team news, betting tips, odds and Bet Builder

Armenia vs Ireland kick-off, date & TV info 

Date Tuesday, September 9
Kick-off 5pm
Venue Republican Stadium after Vazgen Sargsyan, Yerevan
Competition World Cup qualifying
TV Amazon Prime PPV, RTE2 in Ireland

Ireland battled to a 2-2 home draw against Hungary in their opening World Cup qualifier and next head to Yerevan to face Armenia.

Portugal won 5-0 at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium at the weekend and are the clear favourites to win Group F, with the Irish and the Magyars playing for the playoff spot.

It means neither can afford to drop points against the Armenians, and Heimar Hallgrimsson's side should have enough to overcome their awkward trip east.

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Armenia vs Ireland betting tips & predictions

Best bet

Ireland to win to nil
2pts 19-10 Hills

Player props

Evan Ferguson first goalscorer
11-2 general

Longshot

Ireland to win 1-0
11-2 bet365, BoyleSports

Armenia vs Ireland preview 

The Armenian capital, Yerevan, is among the world's oldest cities, dating back to approximately 3300 BC.

Those unfortunate enough to have sat through Ireland's previous two visits could be forgiven for misremembering those 90 minutes as lasting a millennium or more, as steamy conditions and a patchy pitch restricted opportunities for flowing football.

The teams have recorded a 1-0 win each in their two meetings at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium and the same will do for Heimar Hallgrimsson's side on Tuesday.

Substitute Adam Idah headed in Ireland's late equaliser against HungaryCredit: Getty Images

After drawing Saturday's opening World Cup qualifier 2-2 at home against Group F rivals Hungary, winning is all that matters for Ireland in Armenia.

Portugal triumphed 5-0 in Yerevan over the weekend, and it already appears that November's return game in Hungary will settle second place behind the Selecao in the pool.

However, it is vital that Hallgrimsson's side don't drop points before that, but Ireland lack Portugal's skill and often struggle to penetrate a low defensive block.

That was Hungary's approach after racing into a 2-0 lead in Dublin, especially following Roland Sallai's mindless red card, which left the hosts having to resort to lumping the ball into the box.

Their perseverance eventually paid off when Adam Idah equalised in stoppage time and Armenia are also likely to sit deep.

Ireland's Group F Qualifiers

Armenia have lost their last four at home without scoring, while Ireland drew their last away game 0-0 in Luxembourg.

It is difficult to envisage anything other than a stodgy contest, especially with temperatures forecast to touch 27C.

Expect Armenia to sacrifice possession in the hope that Ireland fail to break them down. 

As in 2010 and 2022, a win to nil is forecast, and the Boys in Green are favoured to claim victory.

Ferguson favoured to be the difference

Despite Ireland's struggles on Saturday, Evan Ferguson proved a constant threat.

The striker forced a fine first-half save from Denes Dibusz before scoring his team's first goal on 49 minutes.

Still only 20, he is yet to become prolific. However, Ferguson's size and speed make him an awkward opponent and he could break the deadlock.

Familiar scoreline could settle Yerevan clash

Both previous meetings between these teams in Yerevan have finished 1-0, Ireland triumphing in 2010 and Armenia edging the result in 2022.

Ireland's difficulty in breaking down a low block means another narrow scoreline could be on the agenda.

Armenia vs Ireland Bet Builder

Ireland to win

Ireland have won three out of four meetings with Armenia and should be too good in Yerevan

Under 2.5 Goals

Both previous meetings in Yerevan have featured just one goal and chances could again be few and far between

Erik Piloyan to be booked

Armenia defender Erik Piloyan was carded against Portugal and with tactical fouls likely to be a feature, he could be cautioned again

Pays out at 14-1 with bet365

Key stats for Armenia vs Ireland

♦ Single-goal margins have settled all four previous matches
♦ Ireland have won three of their four past meetings against Armenia
♦ Armenia have failed to score in their last four home games
♦ Both previous clashes in Yerevan have finished 1-0, with each side recording a victory
♦ Evan Ferguson scored Ireland's first goal in Saturday's 2-2 draw against Hungary

Armenia vs Ireland betting odds

Sign up with Betfair to bet on Armenia vs Ireland in World Cup qualifying. Here are the latest odds for Tuesday's match.

Odds correct at time of publishing

Want more top football betting advice? Make sure you take a look at Racing Post Sport's tips for more of the latest picks from our experts.

Armenia vs Ireland team news and predicted line-ups

Armenia

Despite their heavy defeat to Portugal, Armenia are unlikely to make wholesale changes. Yegishe Melikyan's side may line up in a 4-4-2 formation, which can shift to a 5-3-2 when necessary.

Predicted line-up (4-4-2):  Avagyan; Hovhannisyan, Harutyunyan, Muradyan, Piloyan; Bichakhchyan, Zelarayan, Iwu, Tiknizyan; Barseghyan, Spertsyan
Subs: Sevikyan, Aghasaryan, Ranos, Grigoryan, Shaghoyan, Simoyan, Serobyan

Ireland

Sammie Szmodics has withdrawn from the Ireland squad and been replaced by Shamrock Rovers' defender Josh Honohan. Chiedozie Ogbene could take Szmodics' place.

Predicted line-up (4-4-1-1): Kelleher; O'Brien, O'Shea, Collins, Doherty; Ogbene, Cullen, Knight, Manning; Azaz; Ferguson
Subs: Dunne, Scales, Taylor, Johnston, Johnston, McAteer, Idah

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FAQs for Armenia vs Ireland

When is Armenia vs Ireland in World Cup qualifying?

Armenia vs Ireland kicks off at 5pm BST on Tuesday, September 9.

Where is Armenia vs Ireland being played?

Tuesday's match will be played at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium, Yerevan.

Where can I watch Armenia vs Ireland?

The fixture between Armenia and Ireland can be watched on Amazon Prime PPV in the UK and RTE2 in Ireland.

What is the match betting for Armenia vs Ireland?

Ireland are the 4-6 favourites to win, with Armenia 7-2 and the draw 2-1.

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