Portugal vs Poland - Insights, Predictions, and Top Wagers Explored
Rematch in the UEFA Nations League: Portugal versus Poland
On Friday, Portugal squares off against Poland in the UEFA Nations League. Roberto Martinez's crew sits comfortably atop the standings, boasting 10 points from their first four games. Poland, however, is missing their star player, Robert Lewandowski.
Portugal's Form
Portugal kicked off Euros with a shaky start, losing 2-0 to Georgia and tying Scotland and France in the group stages. After ending their Euro campaign with a shootout loss, they bounced back in the Nations League with a 2-1 home victory over Croatia. They followed that with another home win, 2-1 against Scotland, where they outshot their opponents with 26 attempts and an impressive xG of 3.10. Although they controlled possession in their latest match in Poland (70%), they were unable to find the back of the net, settling for a 0-0 draw.
Bet Now: UEFA Nations League
Portugal Team News
With Diogo Jota and Matheus Nunes sidelined due to injuries, and Gonçalo Ramos and Rúben Neves out of the lineup, Samu Costa and uncapped Nuno Tavares are expected to see some action. Chelsea duo Pedro Neto and Renato Veiga could potentially find minutes in this game if Martinez chooses to rotate his starting XI.
Portugal's Motivation
A draw is all Portugal needs to secure their spot in the next stage, but don't expect them to hold back. Look for them to take control, create numerous scoring opportunities, and continue their dominating play from recent matches.
Poland's Form
Despite earning just one point in their Euro 2024 group stage, Poland put forth a commendable effort with a 1-1 draw against France. In the Nations League, they needed a late goal against Scotland to win 3-2. Slovakia handed them a 1-0 defeat, and they conceded 23 shots. Their last two games exposed their defensive issues, giving up six goals. They allowed 3.01 xG in a 3-1 loss to Portugal and narrowly escaped with a 3-3 draw at home against Croatia after fighting back from a 3-1 deficit.
Poland Team News
With the departure of goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny from the international scene, either Łukasz Skorupski or Marcin Bułka is set to step up between the posts. Matty Cash remains out due to injury while Poland's captain, Robert Lewandowski, and his backup, Arkadiusz Milik, will both miss the match due to unspecified reasons. In their absence, Turkey-based forward Krzysztof Piątek is expected to lead the line.
Poland's Motivation
Coach Michał Probierz might opt for a back five with wingbacks to compensate for the absence of Lewandowski. With their key striker unavailable, Poland may choose to employ a more defensive strategy. After leaking goals in their recent games, they have had a full week to address their defensive frailties, which should lead to a more disciplined performance.
Key Stats
- Portugal has won 75% of their last 24 matches.
- Cristiano Ronaldo has found the back of the net in 4 out of his last 5 games.
- Poland has shared the points with Portugal in 4 out of their last 6 meetings.
- Poland has lost 4 out of their last 7 matches.
- Poland has conceded a goal in 9 consecutive games.
Verdict
The reverse fixture in Warsaw saw Portugal triumph, and another victory is expected in this matchup. Placing a wager on Ronaldo to score is a sensible choice, given his current form.
*Best Bet:* Portugal to win (-1 handicap) at 1.68**
*Alternate Bet:* Portugal to score over 2.5 goals at 2.05**
*First Goalscorer Tip:* Cristiano Ronaldo at 3.25**
Sources:1. UEFA5. FIFA&fullpage=true&_localies=en)
- In the UEFA Nations League rematch between Portugal and Poland, Portugal will aim to secure a spot in the next stage with their dominating form, having won 75% of their last 24 matches.
- Portugal may rely heavily on Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored in 4 out of his last 5 games, in their bid for victory, having beaten Poland in the reverse fixture.
- However, Poland, missing key players such as Robert Lewandowski, will likely opt for a more defensive strategy, aiming to address their defensive frailties that have seen them concede a goal in 9 consecutive games.
- With the absence of their star player Lewandowski, Poland will field Łukasz Skorupski or Marcin Bułka as their goalkeeper, while Turkey-based forward Krzysztof Pia
