UEFA Nations League
Portugal v Wales: Big Match Preview
Football Writer, Racing Tipster
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Stephen WelchBig Match SpecialPortugal v Wales
Kick Off
Thursday 24 September at 19:45
Competition
UEFA Nations League
Wales begin their latest UEFA Nations League campaign with a difficult trip to Lisbon on Thursday evening as they face defending champions Portugal at the Estadio Jose Alvalade. The fixture is scheduled to kick off at 7:45pm with live coverage in the UK on BBC Two, BBC One Wales and S4C.
Portugal enter a new era under Jorge Jesus following their disappointing World Cup campaign, which ended with a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the knockout stages. The hosts have retained the majority of their squad from the summer tournament and Cristiano Ronaldo remains involved at the age of 41. Wales return to League A after earning promotion from the second tier but Craig Bellamy’s side arrive in Portugal without several important players, including Harry Wilson, Joe Rodon and Karl Darlow. The Dragons have also gone winless in their three matches since missing out on World Cup qualification against Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Portugal at 1/5
Match Result
Portugal are strong favourites to make a winning start to their Nations League campaign and it is difficult to look beyond the hosts in Lisbon. The defending champions have lost just one of their last 10 matches and boast an experienced squad featuring the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and Nuno Mendes. Wales have struggled against elite opposition under Craig Bellamy and will be missing several regular starters on Thursday evening. Portugal look a solid selection to claim all three points.
Portugal 3-1 Wales at 11/1
Correct Score
Portugal have the quality to take control of this fixture but Wales have shown under Craig Bellamy that they are capable of finding the net against strong opposition. The Dragons have scored regularly during his tenure, whilst Portugal have not always been completely convincing defensively. We’re backing the hosts to win and expecting goals at both ends, making a 3-1 Portugal victory the logical pick in the correct score market.
Over 2.5 goals at 8/15
Total Goals (All Lines)
Portugal have enough attacking quality to score multiple goals on home soil and Wales have shown under Craig Bellamy that they are capable of contributing at the other end. The Dragons have scored in 13 of Bellamy’s 15 competitive matches in charge, whilst Portugal have kept just three clean sheets across their last 16 Nations League and World Cup qualifying fixtures. With the hosts expected to create plenty of chances and Wales carrying a genuine threat on the counter, over 2.5 match goals looks a solid bet.
Bruno Fernandes at 9/5
Anytime scorer
Bruno Fernandes has started the domestic season in impressive goalscoring form and looks an interesting alternative to the short-priced Cristiano Ronaldo in the anytime goalscorer market. The Manchester United captain has already scored four times for his club this season and has also enjoyed a strong scoring record for Portugal outside major tournaments. With Fernandes likely to operate in an advanced midfield role behind Ronaldo, he looks good value to get on the scoresheet in Lisbon.
Ethan Ampadu at 3/1
Player to be shown a card
Ethan Ampadu could be in for a busy evening at the heart of the Wales midfield as Portugal look to dominate possession. The Leeds United midfielder picked up 12 yellow cards at club level last season and has never been afraid to make challenges in difficult areas of the pitch. Against a technically gifted Portugal midfield containing the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and Joao Neves, Ampadu looks a solid selection to be shown a card.
Portugal v Wales Tips
Portugal
Match Result
Portugal 3-1 Wales
Correct Score
Over 2.5 goals
Total Goals (All Lines)
Bruno Fernandes
Anytime scorer
Ethan Ampadu
Player to be shown a card
Verdict
Home advantage should just about carry Portugal through a tight contest. The scoreline call is Portugal 3-1 Wales, so there should be goals at both ends. Stephen Welch make Portugal at 1/5 the standout call on the card.