TIPS - Armenia VS Portugal

[(Armenia) Strength]:
1. Eduard Spertsyan scored in both of the previous two warm-up matches and is once again included in Armenia's squad for this round.

[(Armenia) Neutral]:
1. Armenia's last five matches have all ended with OVERs in O/U.

[(Armenia) Weakness]:
1. Armenia played two warm-up matches in June, first losing 5-2 to Kosovo and then drawing 2-2 with Montenegro, failing to secure a win.
2. Armenia conceded at least two goals in each of their last four matches, revealing significant defensive issues recently.
3. Armenia lost all of their last three home matches, with the most recent one being a 3-0 defeat to Georgia.
4. Armenia are currently ranked 105th in the world, which is a significant gap compared to Portugal's ranking.

[(Portugal) Strength]:
1. Portugal forward Diogo Jota recently won the UEFA Nations League with the team but tragically passed away in a car accident shortly after. In deep sorrow, the team hope to dedicate a victory to this key contributor who is now in heaven, and their motivation before the match is high.
2. Veteran Cristiano Ronaldo has decided to continue playing for Al Nassr FC this season, and the Portuguese star has started the new season by scoring in both Cup and league matches, maintaining good form.
3. Portugal's squad for this round is still star-studded, with renowned players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, and Bruno Fernandes all included.
4. Portugal just enjoyed a successful June, winning the UEFA Nations League final by defeating Spain in a penalty shootout to claim their second title in the competition, boosting the team's morale to an all-time high.
5. In the previous World Cup qualifiers, Portugal failed to secure the top spot in their group but eventually advanced to the World Cup by winning the playoffs.
6. Portugal's draw for this World Cup qualifying round is quite favorable, as they are grouped with Armenia, Hungary, and Ireland. Given their strength, they have a strong chance of finishing first and directly qualifying if they perform normally.
7. Portugal won all of their last three matches against Armenia, showing a clear historical advantage.
8. Portugal remained unbeaten in their previous three matches in AH, indicating a decent recent trend.

[(Portugal) Neutral]:
1. Portugal had BTTS in the previous 3 games, showing a high likelihood of goals from both ends lately.

[Tips]:
Portugal just won the UEFA Nations League, and the team's morale is high.

Moreover, the average strength of opponents in their World Cup qualifying group is not particularly strong, so Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, have a very good chance of directly qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The first match against Armenia is also a great opportunity for the team to boost their goal difference.

Armenia repeatedly exposed defensive issues in previous warm-up matches, so in this match against Portugal, they can only hope to minimize the loss.

Considering the current handicap, Portugal are expected to win this match.

[Recommended]:
Portugal (-2/2.5)