'Calculated risks' a possibility against Portugal

Heimir Hallgrimsson feels his side's game against Portugal start after the final whistle between Armenia and Hungary will be of benefit

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson says his side may need to take some "calculated risks" when they host Portugal in their penultimate World Cup qualifier in Dublin on Thursday, 13 November (19:45 GMT).

As it stands, Portugal lead the way in Group F with 10 points, five clear of second-placed Hungary, with Hallgrimsson's side a further point behind.

By the time the Republic of Ireland and Portugal kick off at the Aviva Stadium, the result between Armenia and Hungary in Yerevan, which kicks off at 17:00 GMT, ought to be known.

Therefore, the situation should be clear for Hallgrimsson's men who could be in a situation where they require a result to keep their hopes of qualification alive in their final game away to Hungary on Sunday, 16 November (14:00 GMT).

"If Armenia wins or there is a draw, a win in Hungary is enough for us, so that is two of four scenarios for us,"Hallgrimsson said at Thursday's squad announcement.

"If Hungary win, we need at least a draw, but if they win by two or three goals, we will need a draw (against Portugal) and win by maybe three goals away in Hungary.

"We will know what we need in this game against Portugal before we kick off, which is a benefit to us, but it doesn't change how we start and play the game, but may need to take calculated risks as the game progresses."

'We need to be better in possession against Portugal'

A Hungary win in Armenia will move them onto eight points, meaning the Republic of Ireland will require at least a draw to remain in the hunt on five, but dropped points will ensure it goes to the final day to decide second spot, regardless of the outcome in Dublin.

However, with goal difference rather than head-to-head used as the tiebreaker should two teams finish level, Hungary, whose current +1 betters the Republic of Ireland's -1, would have at least a three-goal head start in the event of a win against Armenia and draw in Dublin.

Republic of Ireland were minutes away from claiming a draw against Portugal when they met in Lisbon in October, but an injury-time goal from Ruben Neves finally broke their resistance.

Despite some good defending and Caoimhin Kelleher's penalty save from Cristiano Ronaldo, Hallgrimsson's side carved out few chances of their own, yet the Republic of Ireland boss feels his side can take some encouragement from their performance.

"The last game helps us as we know we can (compete)," he added.

"We need to do some things better, especially in possession and we will try to work on that in the limited time we have."