Prediction: Switzerland vs Portugal

Verdict: Portugal win

Best Odds: 23/20

Bookmaker: Unibet

Smelling the chance to lay down another marker on Sunday night, Portugal will make the trip to the Stade de Genève when they meet a downbeat Switzerland.

Switzerland

Starting with the hosts, while Switzerland might have stormed their way to this year’s World Cup finals in some style, the Rossocrociati have rather drastically come crashing back down to earth. Although Murat Yakin’s men might have managed to clinch top spot in Group C back in March as they fended off defending European champions Italy, the Reds have the feel of a side seeking any kind of boost. Despite opening this year’s Nations League campaign with some tipping them as a potential dark horse, the one-time Basel boss finds growing pressure on his shoulders. Last seen earlier in the week when getting hit with a 1-0 loss at home against former world champions Spain, Switzerland have now lost each of their opening three League A showdowns. Continuing to show a string of issues at both ends of the pitch, Sunday’s hosts will also be worried by their meeting against the Navigators from last weekend. Hit with a woeful 4-0 drumming when they made the trip out to Lisbon seven days ago, the Swiss should be bracing themselves for another stern test.

Team News

After serving a one-match suspension against Spain earlier in the week, Newcastle defender Fabian Schar is set to return on Sunday night.

However, also both dealing with knocks in midweek, the duo of Ruben Vargas and Nico Elvedi are not expected to feature here.

Portugal

As for the visitors, while Switzerland might find themselves in the midst of a real Nations League nightmare, the mood in Portugal’s camp should be at a real high. Last seen earlier in the week when putting in another impressive display as they clinched a deserved 2-0 victory against the Czech Republic, Head Coach Fernando Santos should be smelling another golden chance here. Although the former European champions might have booked their World Cup finals ticket the hard way, they are in the midst of a recent purple patch. Opening this year’s tournament with a gritty 1-1 draw away at Spain, the Navigators have mustered seven points from their opening three League A showdowns. Leading the chase at the top of the table and sat in pole position to claim their spot in the semi-finals, Santos’ side have lost just one of their previous 12 contests across all formats. With that eye-catching run of form stemming all the way back to June 2021, Portugal will be desperate to lay down a similar marker that saw them hit Switzerland for four last weekend.

Team News

Bagging a brace when he faced off against Switzerland last weekend, Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo looks set to spearhead Portugal’s charge here.

Having to settle for a spot on the bench earlier in the week, AC Milan talisman Rafael Leao will be hoping for a recall on Sunday night.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides faced off in Lisbon seven days ago, Portugal picked up a thumping 4-0 romp.
• Likewise, the former European champions have lost just one of their last 12 matchups across all formats, a run that stems back to 2021.
• However, Switzerland have lost each of their opening three Nations League matchups by an aggregate score of 7-1.
• Sunday’s hosts have also managed to win just one of their previous seven matchups across all formats.
• Portugal have won each of their previous three competitive games against the Rossocrociati.

Conclusion

Putting in another eye-catching display earlier in the week as they picked up a 2-0 victory against the Czech Republic, Portugal will rightfully be smelling a golden chance here. Only continuing to shine since opening this year’s Nations League campaign, the former European champions have already mustered seven League A points. Sat in pole position to book their spot in the semi-finals, Sunday’s guests will also be boosted by their stellar display against Switzerland last weekend. Storming their way to a thumping 4-0 romp against the Rossocrociati in Lisbon, Portugal will be looking to cash in on Yakin’s strugglers. Losing each of their opening three Nations League contests by an aggregate score of 7-1, we’re backing an away victory for Portugal here.

Verdict: Portugal win

Best Odds: 23/20

Bookmaker: Unibet