Portugal vs Poland: Match Preview, Odds & Prediction

Portugal will host Poland at the Estadio do Dragao on Friday night, knowing that they have a chance to formally secure a place in the Nations League semi-finals.

Previous Matches and Head-to-head

Starting with the hosts, Roberto Martinez's players haven't exhibited any symptoms of a hangover, even if Portugal may have faced misery in the Euro 24 during the summer when they came crashing out at the quarter-final stage. The former Belgium coach finds his side entirely in the driving seat to punch a semi-final berth, whereas the Navigators could have been obliged to settle for a 0-0 draw away to Scotland last month.

Friday's hosts have earned 10 points from their first four League A games as their Nations League journey starts on September 5th with a 2-1 triumph over Croatia. Likewise, Portugal will be seeking a similar performance this weekend after storming their way to a 3-1 romp over to Warsaw last month.

Regarding the visitors, Poland may have started their Nations League journey on September 5th with an exciting 3-2 triumph away to Scotland, but it seems it would have only been a slight boost for Michal Probierz's men.

The Eagles fight to maintain hold of their League A status after enduring a true EURO 24 struggle during the summer and collecting just a single point from each of their three group stage performances. Poland also has a dismal record versus Friday's hosts, falling to a 3-1 hammering when they welcomed Portugal to Warsaw last month. Probierz's failing team should be ready for what will undoubtedly be another heavyweight test this weekend, having won nothing in each of their previous six showdowns across all events.

Portugal x Poland Team News

Last week, Manchester City player Matheus Nunes reportedly picked up a knock. He has been pulled from Portugal's team and won't be seen for the next two weeks. Although five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo may be poised to turn forty in a few months, the former Real Madrid great will lead out Martinez's team Friday night.

After completing a summer transfer to the Italian team Lazio, Arsenal loanee Nuno Tavares could start as a left-back and enjoy what has become a great career resurge. Recording four goals in as many Premier League giants Manchester United's outings, Bruno Fernandes will start in the center of the park.

After the Barcelona star sustained a back injury, the Eagles will be without the record-breaking Robert Lewandowski, thereby severely hurting Poland this week. Inter Milan ace Piotr Zielinski will play a significant part with two goals in his first four Nations League games this year.

Although Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior may have yet to make one Premier League appearance so far this season, the 24-year-old will start at the back on Friday night. Probierz has featured Brighton midfielder Jakub Moder.

Our Predictions

Portugal to score in both halves @ 2.05 on Sky247.ng.

Portugal should be sniffing a great chance, knowing that they can formally close a semi-final berth on Friday night. Martinez's side will also be thrilled with their most recent clash against a struggling Poland, putting ten points on the board from their four Nations League performances so far this season. Traveling to Warsaw last month, the former European champions will once again be sniffing another golden chance as they storm their way to a 3-1 triumph. Likewise, the Navigators have appropriately penciled in as a strong contender since far back in September 2022, suffering only one loss on home ground.

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