Having shared spoils with Italy and Costa Rica, Republic of Ireland take on yet another 2014 World Cup participants as they face Portugal at MetLife Stadium in Rutherford, New Jersey.

The Seleccao go into their final warm-up game buoyed by the last-gasp victory over Mexico as well as the return of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Republic of Ireland have shown a great deal of potential since Martin O’Neill took over and the national team chiefs did well to schedule three games against teams playing at the 2014 World Cup.

This has given the boss an excellent opportunity to test his players against some high-quality sides and we can already say this mini-tour has been a success.

Republic of Ireland first held Italy to a goalless draw at Craven Cottage before missing a chance to beat Costa Rica on Saturday.

The Irish had the lead and an extra man on the pitch, but they could only muster a 1-1 draw as their opponents scored with ten men, while Robbie Keane missed a second-half penalty.

However, they will now try and make life difficult for Portugal as well, with Ireland 1.95 (19/20) not to lose this game.

Glenn Whelan has withdrawn from the squad due to his son’s illness, with Stephen Ward joining up on Saturday. Marc Wilson remains doubtful with a hamstring problem.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Forde – Coleman, O’Shea, Pearce, Ward – Hendrick, Meyler – McGeady, Hoolahan, McClean – Keane.

Portugal were far from impressive in the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign, while the preparations for the tournament finals did not exactly go according to plan either.

Injuries to star players Ronaldo, Meireles and Pepe have given boss Paulo Bento a real headache, while a lacklustre performance against their bogeymen Greece certainly did not help.

The Seleccao were under minor pressure following the goalless draw against Ethiniki, but they showed some improvement to record a 1-0 triumph over Mexico in Massachusetts.

Paulo Bento used the game to test Fabio Coentrao in centre midfield, but everything suggests the Real Madrid star will revert to his favourite position against Ireland.

And with Cristiano Ronaldo expected to play some part after recovering from a muscle problem, it is hardly surprising the Seleccao have been made 1.85 (17/20) favourites to emerge victorious.

While Pepe and Beto remain on the sidelines, Raul Meireles is expected to return from a thigh injury, but he is unlikely to start.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Patricio – Neto, Costa, Alves, Coentrao – Moutinho, William, Veloso – Nani, Eder, Ronaldo.