Prediction: Portugal vs Liechtenstein

Prediction: Portugal win

Best Odds: 1/500

Bookmaker: 888sport

The international break is upon us as we gear up for the first set of fixtures at this level since the World Cup last winter. The primary focus will now be on UEFA Euro 2024, with the road to qualification beginning over the course of the next few days. Today, we’ll take a look at a typical David vs Goliath encounter as Portugal prepare to lock horns with Liechtenstein in Group J at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.

Portugal

After falling to Morocco in a shocking turn of events at the World Cup, Portugal need to reassess ahead of these qualifiers. They genuinely have one of the most talented squads on the planet but continue to make the wrong moves, and speaking of, this is set to be the first competitive game in charge for Roberto Martinez. There’s every chance he performs better than he did with Belgium, but it’s certainly a questionable move.

Liechtenstein

Between the Nations League and young, upcoming talent, Liechtenstein are one of those nations that will rarely get the chance to threaten on the big stage. With that being said, any small win can and should be counted as a victory of some description at this level. They’ve pulled off a minor upset against the Portuguese in the past, and they’ll believe they can dig deep enough to make some waves in Lisbon.

Factors to Consider

• Portugal have never lost to Liechtenstein in seven matches, scoring 35 goals and conceding three.
• Portugal have won four and lost two of their last six games.
• Liechtenstein have lost their last six games in all competitions.
• Portugal have scored 16 goals and conceded six in their last six games.
• Liechtenstein have scored one goal and conceded 11 in their last six games.

Conclusion

The only real question here is this: how many goals will Portugal score? That may sound harsh, especially given that Liechtenstein’s defensive record hasn’t actually been that bad recently, but it’s the truth. The hosts need to come flying out of the gate and they need to try and mix things up in terms of their starting XI and what kind of system they implement under the new boss. Portugal will win here, but there’s still a lot they need to prove – especially when you consider that this is probably Ronaldo’s last major run towards another trophy.

Prediction: Portugal win

Best Odds: 1/500

Bookmaker: 888sport