Prediction: Portugal vs Sweden

Verdict: Portugal win to nil 

Best Odds: 17/14

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Enjoying what has been a stunning purple patch, Portugal will be looking to extend on their charge when they meet Sweden for a friendly showdown on Thursday night.

Portugal

Starting with the hosts, while Portugal might have only appointed Roberto Martinez last year, the European heavyweights are enjoying a stunning run of form. Breezing their way to this summer’s European Championships, some have even tipped the Navigators as a potential contender when they arrive in Germany. Making a major qualifying statement as they won all of their 10 Group J appearances by an aggregate score of 36-2, the former Belgium boss certainly finds the mood in his camp at a real high. Last seen signing off their qualifying adventure with a routine 2-0 victory against Iceland on home soil, Martinez’s men are simply looking to keep up their stellar momentum here. Continuing to shine at both ends of the pitch and roaring back from their World Cup frustration, Portugal are rightfully pencilled in as a standout candidate on Thursday night.

Team News

While there might have been some speculation over Cristiano Ronaldo’s spot in Martinez’s squad for this month, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has been included and will feature here. Likewise, continuing to impress despite now being 41 years of age, Porto defender Pepe has also earned a spot in Portugal’s squad.

The Manchester City trio of Ruben Dias, Matheus Nunes and Bernardo Silva will all feature over the next fortnight. Notching five La Liga strikes after arriving at Barcelona on a season-long loan move from Atletico Madrid, Joao Felix should earn a 37th international cap here.

Sweden

As for the visitors, drastically falling short in their bid to punch a major tournament return last year, Sweden have the feel of a squad seeking some crucial stability. Turning to new boss Jon Dahl Tomasson last month, the former Blackburn boss couldn’t have asked for a tougher first challenge here. Facing what looks set to be a real challenge on Thursday night, Sweden have shown some extended issues on foreign soil. Last seen on their travels slumping to a shock 3-0 drumming at the hands of Azerbaijan, Tomasson’s new squad have won just a pair of their previous seven showdowns outside of Stockholm. Likewise, hit with a 3-0 loss when they last met Portugal back in October 2020, the midweek guests have also recorded just a single victory against the Navigators over the past 40 years.

Team News

Appearing to have forced his way back into Erik ten Hag’s plans, Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof will lead out Sweden on Thursday night. Both Anthony Elanga and Dejan Kulusevski have been included in Tomasson’s maiden international squad.

Enjoying what has been a stunning start to life with Sporting Lisbon and heavily linked with a Premier League switch this summer, the red-hot Viktor Gyokeres will earn a 20th international cap here. Likewise, already bagging 12 Premier League goals this season, Newcastle’s Alexander Isak should play some part in midweek.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Portugal and Sweden last met back in October 2020, Thursday’s hosts claimed a 3-0 romp in Lisbon.
• Portugal have won four of their previous five meetings against Sweden across all competitions.
• Likewise, Martinez’s men have suffered just a single defeat from any of their last 11 meetings against the Yellows – a run that stems all the way back to November 1984.
• Portugal won all of their 10 EURO 24 qualifying appearances by an aggregate score of 36-2.
• Sweden have recorded just a pair of victories from any of their previous seven appearances on foreign soil.

Conclusion

Making what was a major qualifying statement last year after winning all of their 10 Group J appearances by an aggregate score of 36-2, Portugal will simply be looking to keep up their stellar momentum here. Continuing to shine under Martinez and tipped as a potential European contender this summer, Thursday’s hosts will also be excited by a rampant record against Sweden. Claiming a routine 3-0 win when they welcomed the Yellows to Lisbon for their most recent showdown back in October 2020, we are predicting a similar home victory in midweek.

Verdict: Portugal win to nil 

Best Odds: 17/14

Bookmaker: Dachbet