Portugal continue their campaign in Group A of the European World Cup qualifiers with a trip to the Stade Josy Barthel for a clash against Luxembourg. The European champions have been slightly underwhelming so far but will view Tuesday’s match as a chance to show their quality against one of the lower ranked teams on the continent.
The Portuguese were left disappointed last time out after throwing away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 in Serbia. They went into the break two up thanks to a brace from Diogo Jota and were pegged back by the Serbs before captain Cristiano Ronaldo saw a late effort cleared off the line. Replays however showed that the ball had crossed the line.
Fernando Santos’ men are still unbeaten in the group after beginning their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Azerbaijan. Their recent form has also been generally solid with just one defeat in their last 10 matches across all competitions.
Portugal have been good travellers and are unbeaten in their last five away matches. Among their results in that run is a 2-0 victory against Sweden while they also triumphed 2-0 in Luxembourg during the Euro 2020 qualifiers.
Luxembourg are coming off a surprise 1-0 victory against Republic of Ireland in their opening fixture in the qualifiers. They put up a solid defensive display before Gerson Rodrigues struck the winner five minutes from time.
It was a result than ended a run of five matches without a win for Luc Holz's team, who had suffered three defeats and a draw in their previous four matches.
Luxembourg’s home form has been a source of worry with just one win in their last nine matches. They have lost six times in that run, including a 3-0 defeat to Austria back in November.
How the bookies view it
Portugal are considered overwhelming favourites by the bookies and are priced at 1/8 by betfair to secure the win. SBK is offering 27/1 for a victory for Luxembourg while bet365 has a draw at odds of 7/1.
Portugal are desperate to bounce back after Saturday’s disappointment and with Luxembourg often unconvincing at home, I am backing an away win here.
Head to head
Portugal have the upper hand in this fixture with 13 wins from 15 previous matches. Luxembourg have been victorious just once while there has also been only one draw between both teams.
The last meeting was a 2-0 victory for Portugal during the Euro 2020 qualifiers.
Players to watch
Diogo Jota is likely to be handed another start following his fine showing against Serbia. The Liverpool forward is backed at 6/5 by Betfred to score anytime while Cristiano Ronaldo is always a good pick for a goal with Unibet offering 9/5 on the Juventus star to grab the first goal.
Manchester City defender Ruben Dias is also one to keep an eye on if Portugal are to keep things tight at the back. They will be keen to earn another clean sheet which is priced at 1/3 by bet365.
Anything else catch the eye?
With the bookies offering minimal odds for a Portugal win, the handicap market could provide more value. Paddy Power is offering 8/5 for a -2 handicap while the Portuguese could also be backed to score 3+ goals at 11/10 with Skybet.
Portugal could also be backed to score in both halves at evens with William Hill while they could also be worth a punt to win both halves at 23/20 with Sporting Index.
This World Cup match between Luxembourg and Portugal will be played on Mar 30, 2021 and kick off at 18:45. Check below for our tipsters best Luxembourg vs Portugal prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
