Verdict: Portugal win to nil
Best Odds: 8/15
Bookmaker: Luckster
Simply looking to make another EURO 24 qualifying statement on Thursday night, Portugal will make the trip to Liechtenstein.
Liechtenstein
Starting with the hosts, last seen signing off October’s international break with a routine 4-0 drumming away at Iceland, Liechtenstein have endured yet another public qualifying nightmare. Sat rock-bottom of the Group J standings and yet to put a single point on the board from any of their eight appearances this year, Konrad Funfstuck’s side will be more than aware that they face another monumental challenge here. Hit with another 4-0 loss when they last met Portugal for their reverse qualifying showdown back on March 23rd, Liechtenstein have also gained a reputation for their rather glaring defensive struggles. Including a woeful 7-0 loss against Iceland on foreign soil, it is worth highlighting that Funfstuck’s men have shipped a staggering 25 goals in those eight Group J contests this year. Losing all of their previous 21 straight contests across all formats, the Blues are seeking an iconic miracle here.
Team News
Despite still waiting to open his domestic account with Vaduz this season, 30-year-old Sandro Wieser should have a leading role to play for Liechtenstein on Thursday night. Vaduz teammate Simon Luchinger will earn a 17th international cap at the heart of Funfstuck’s midfield.
Plying his trade with Spanish outfit CF Talavera, Dennis Salanovic will spearhead Liechtenstein’s attack in midweek. Veteran shot-stopper and one-time Bournemouth goalkeeper Benjamin Buchel will earn a 60th international cap here.
Portugal
As for the visitors, while Portugal might have suffered World Cup frustration out in Qatar over the winter, Roberto Martinez’s side have come roaring back in some style. Breezing their way to EURO 24 and continuing to gain a fearsome reputation, the Navigators are now seen as a genuine contender next year. Last seen signing off October’s international break with a routine 5-0 romp away at Bosnia & Herzegovina, the former Belgium boss should find the mood in his superstar squad at a red-hot high. Winning each of their eight Group J appearances this season, Portugal will also be excited by their free-scoring performances in the final third. Winning each of their eight qualifying showdowns by an aggregate score of 32-2, Thursday’s guests should be relishing a trip to Liechtenstein in midweek. Landing a 4-0 victory when they welcomed the midweek hosts to Lisbon back on March 23rd, Martinez will simply be looking for a repeat performance here.
Team News
Continuing to shine with Portuguese giants Porto this season, 40-year-old defender Pepe has been called up to Portugal’s squad. Likewise, Premier League-based stars such as Joao Palhinha, Ruben Dias, Diogo Jota and Bernardo Silva have also been included in Martinez’s squad for the next fortnight.
Already bagging 13 strikes in his 12 appearances with Saudi Arabian outfit Al Nassr, five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo looks set to earn a 204th international cap for the former European champions here.
Key Factors to Consider
- When Liechtenstein and Portugal met on March 23rd for their reverse meeting, Thursday’s guests claimed a routine 4-0 romp on home soil.
- Matinez’s side have won each of their eight Group J appearances this season by an aggregate score of 32-2.
- Likewise, Portugal have won each of their previous four away fixtures by an aggregate score of 13-0.
- Liechtenstein have remarkably lost each of their previous 21 straight appearances across all competitions.
- Thursday’s hosts have failed to record a single victory in front of their own supporters since September 2018.
Conclusion
Already breezing their way to EURO 24 and in the midst of a stunning qualifying romp, Portugal will simply be looking to keep up their party atmosphere here. Winning each of their eight Group J appearances this year, Martinez’s side will undoubtedly be smelling a golden chance on Thursday night. Gaining a fearsome reputation for their free-scoring performances this season and notching 32 goals, it is hard to see anything other than another routine away victory in Vaduz.
Verdict: Portugal win to nil
Best Odds: 8/15
Bookmaker: Luckster
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