World Cup 2026 qualifiers: Armenia-Ireland, likely lineups

At the ‘Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium’ in Yerevan, the challenge between Armenia, the tail-end of Group F still stuck at zero, and Ireland, which with a point under its belt is trying to stay hooked in the world race with Portugal and Hungary for a spot at the 2026 World Cup, is staged. Kickoff at 6 p.m.

Melikyan considers a possible switch to 4-4-2: Hovanassynia and Bichakhacyan will man the side lanes, while in the center of the field there will be room for Spertsyan and Iwu. Up front, the offensive pair will be formed by Berseghyan and Zelaryan.

Ireland is expected to confirm the midfield block with Knight, Cullen and Azaz, while in attack Hallgrimsson will again bet on Roma’s young talent Evan Ferguson, flanked by Szmodics and Manning.

Probable lineups

Armenia (4-4-2): Avagyan; Piloyan, Harutynyan, Muradyan, Tikzinyan; Hovanassynia, Iwu, Spertsysan, Bichakhacyan; Berseghyan, Zelaryan. Coach: Melikyan.

Ireland (4-3-3): Kellehrer; O’Brien, Collins, O’Shea, Doherty; Knight, Cullen, Azaz; Szomdics, Ferguson, Manning. Coach: Hallgrimsson.