Group F minnows Armenia look to avenge their thumping opening day defeat as they welcome a plucky Republic of Ireland side with a point to prove in this World Cup Qualifier (WCQ).
Match News and Current Form
Armenia’s quest to reach their first World Cup took a huge hit on matchday one as they were trounced 5-0 by Portugal. That’s a far cry from when they opened the previous WCQ cycle with three successive wins, although the eight winless WCQs that followed (D3, L5) are a much more accurate representation of where Armenia are as a footballing nation. New manager Yegishe Melikyan previously led Pyunik Yerevan into the UEFA Conference League and picked up a pair of Armenian titles, although the thumping his side received in his first game in the post suggests translating that success here will be a mammoth task.
Ireland’s quest to reach a first World Cup since 2002 almost began with catastrophe as they had to overturn a 2-0 deficit to secure a 2-2 home draw against Hungary. Draws are becoming rather familiar for Ireland, with boss Heimir Hallgrímsson overseeing three consecutive stalemates after each of his first eight games at the helm saw a winner (W4, L4). Tipping the balance in favour of the win column here could be key to their qualification hopes given Ireland are widely expected to be in a direct scrap with Hungary for second place in Group F, so defeating the group minnows, #105-ranked Armenia, feels like an expectation.
Head-to-Head History
This will be the fifth competitive meeting between Armenia and Ireland, and although the balance is firmly in Ireland’s favour (W3, L1), Armenia did secure their only win on home turf in the last such meeting.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Armenia haven’t scored before half time in any of the prior encounters with Ireland.
Armenia have conceded 2+ goals in both halves in each of their last three home WCQs.
Ireland have scored beyond the 80th minute in three of their last four away WCQs.
Four of Ireland’s last six victories in away WCQs came by 2+ goal margin.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Scorer of nine international goals, Tigran Barseghyan registered three shots on target against Portugal, more than all but Cristiano Ronaldo during the game. Evan Ferguson kicked off Ireland’s comeback on the opening day with his sixth senior international goal, three of which came across his last five competitive caps.
In-form striker Troy Parrott misses out for Ireland with a knee injury while Armenia have a near full-strength squad to choose from.
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Betting Analysis
Despite their superior rank and favouritism, Ireland’s lack of serious firepower and Armenia’s home advantage may see this game end in a fourth straight draw for the Irish.
Author: Matthew Billon