PORTUGAL and Slovenia face off at Deutsche Bank Park in the round of 16 at Euro 2024 on Monday night.
Roberto Martinez’s side arrived at this summer’s showpiece in the midst of a 10-game winning run in competitive action and subsequently went on to wrap up top spot in Group F with a match to spare.
However, the Selecao did stumble to a shock 2-0 defeat in their final group game against Georgia, a setback which suggests they are far from bulletproof.
Martinez will be seeking an immediate response from his side on Monday night when they face another Euro 2024 surprise package in the shape of Slovenia.
Dismissed by many observers as no-hopers in Group C ahead of the tournament, Matjaz Kek’s men caused a real stir by reaching the knockout round for the first time in their history.
Slovenia’s exploits were made all the more impressive by the fact that they did so without losing a game, having drawn with Denmark, Serbia, and England en route to the last-16.
How the bookies view it: Portugal to prevail
After seeing their 12-game winning run in meaningful matches brought to an end by Georgia on Wednesday night, Portugal are lowly 4/11 favourites on Betfred to bounce back at the first time of asking.
A fourth Slovenian stalemate in succession has been priced up at 18/5 (Betfred), while Matjaz Kek’s side are firm outsiders at 9/1 (Betfred) to claim their first 90-minute win of the tournament.
Head to head: Slovenia seeking more of the same
Slovenia will draw confidence from the fact that they defeated Portugal 2-0 in a friendly fixture earlier this year. Somewhat surprisingly, that was the first time that the two nations have ever come up against each other on the international stage.
Players to watch: Another Silva lining?
Bernardo Silva scored Portugal's opening goal of the game in their 3-0 win over Turkey last weekend. The Portuguese playmaker is 16/5 (Betfred) to strike against Slovenia, though the 11/8 (Betfred) for Silva to register a shot on target looks the more attractive angle of attack. Silva has hit the target once in each of his two outings at Euro 2024 to date.
Slovenia’s star man Benjamin Sesko – who has failed to score in his three appearances at Euro 2024 so far – is 4/1 on Betfred to make the net bulge on Monday night.
Predicted line-ups
After making eight changes to his team for Portugal’s 2-0 defeat against Georgia in midweek, Roberto Martinez will revert back to his strongest starting XI against Slovenia.
Slovenia manager Matjaz Kek will have to make at least one change to his side after left-back Erik Janza picked up his second booking of the tournament against England.
Portugal: Costa; Pepe, Dias, Mendes; Dalot, Fernandes, Vitinha, Cancelo; Bernardo, Ronaldo, Leao
Slovenia: Oblak; Karnicnik, Drkusic, Bijol, Balkovec; Stojanovic, Elsnik, Gnezda Cerin, Mlakar; Sporar, Sesko
Anything else catch the eye?
Combining Portugal to win alongside over 19.5 Slovenia Booking Points will bring about a 17/20 Bet Builder on Betfred that holds plenty of appeal.
As previously mentioned, Portugal’s team will have a more familiar and stronger look to it on Monday night and their superior class should tell against shock troops Slovenia.
Matjaz Kek’s men will look to disrupt Portugal’s rhythm, which could well result in a few cards being flashed their way.
The Slovenians have accumulated at least 20+ Booking Points in each of their three outings at Euro 2024 so far and a repeat is fancied in Frankfurt on Monday night.
This Euro 2024 match between Portugal and Slovenia will be played on Jul 1, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Portugal vs Slovenia prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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