Prediction: Portugal win
Best Odds: 4/9
Bookmaker: 888sport
The 2021/22 domestic football campaign is officially behind us and while we may have to wait until November for the World Cup to kick off, that doesn’t mean we’re short on international action. The UEFA Nations League is back in our lives with a parade of nations attempting to make some noise – including Portugal and Czech Republic who meet on Thursday.
Portugal
After making their way past North Macedonia, preparations can now begin for Portugal as they gear up for Qatar this winter. In many ways they’re the perfect ‘fly under the radar’ kind of team but within their squad, they need to find the balance between experienced heads and the youngsters who are ready to burst into the foreground. If they can do that, they’ve got every chance of going all the way in the World Cup.
Team News
Pepe is expected to be rested for this one with Duarte making an appearance, and elsewhere, Palhinha may be given the call to start alongside Fernandes.
Czech Republic
Czech Republic put up a really solid account of themselves at Euro 2020 but unfortunately, they weren’t able to transition that into World Cup qualification. They finished behind both Belgium and Wales to slip out of play-off contention with the focus, for this young and hungry team, switching to what they might be able to achieve at Euro 2024 – with the Nations League giving them a good chance to try and get there.
Team News
Zeleny and Jankto are currently both listed as injury concerns with Hlozek preparing to return to the team.
Factors to Consider
- Portugal are 1st in Nations League Group A2 whereas Czech Republic are 2nd.
- Portugal have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last six games.
- Czech Republic have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last six games.
- Portugal have scored 11 goals and conceded four in their last six games.
- Czech Republic have scored 14 goals and conceded five in their last six games.
Conclusion
Motivation can do a lot of wonderful things for an international side and Portugal are full of it right now. They seem to be firing on every cylinder and with what we expect to be a rowdy crowd in Lisbon, we’d be surprised if they didn’t get over the finish line here. They’ll control the ball, look to find their way through the middle and exploit the Czechs enough to ease through with a 3-1 win.
Prediction: Portugal win
Best Odds: 4/9
Bookmaker: 888sport
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
