It is a straight shootout for a chance to progress to the finals of the UEFA Nations League as Portugal host Spain in their final Group A2 fixture. There has been nothing to separate both teams in recent meetings and they are likely to once again cancel each other out.
Portugal reclaimed top spot in Group A2 of the UEFA Nations League thanks to a 4-0 victory in the Czech Republic. They proved too strong for the hosts with Diogo Dalot netting a brace while Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Jota were also on target.
Although they were helped by Spain’s home defeat, Portugal now head into Tuesday’s clash with their destiny in their own hands. All that is required is to avoid defeat and they will book a place in the UNL finals for the second time in three editions.
Home form has been pivotal to Portugal who have won their last four matches in front of their fans. A solid defence appears to be driving that good form as Fernando Santos’ men have conceded just one goal in that run.
Spain are coming off a disappointing home defeat as they were beaten 2-1 by Switzerland in their previous UNL fixture. Having gone behind early in the contest, they failed to build on Jordi Alba’s second half equaliser and were breached once again.
It was a disappointing performance from the Spaniards and the result means they have relinquished control of the group to Portugal. Luis Enrique’s men are now two points off the pace and must win in Braga to progress to the finals.
Spain will head into Tuesday’s clash with some confidence given their recent record on their travels. They are unbeaten in their last four away matches, claiming three wins in that run.
How the bookies view it
Portugal have the edge among the bookies and are priced at 7/5 by Unibet to claim the win on Tuesday. A victory for Spain is valued at 9/4 with BetVictor while a draw is set at odds of 40/17 by SBK.
Recent head to head
There has been nothing to separate Spain and Portugal in recent meetings having drawn their last four matches. Both teams battled to a 1-1 scoreline in the reverse fixture in June with Alvaro Morata opening the scoring before Ricardo Horta struck the equaliser for Portugal.
Players to watch
Cristiano Ronaldo could be rested for this one after suffering a facial injury in Portugal’s win in Czech Republic. Diogo Jota is likely to replace the Manchester United forward and having scored off the bench last time out, could be backed to once again find the net at 13/5 with Betfred.
Alvaro Morata did not feature in the defeat to Switzerland but is likely to return to the starting line-up on Tuesday. The striker opened the scoring in the reverse fixture and is priced at 9/4 by Coral to find the net in Braga.
Anything else catch the eye?
Portugal and Spain have plenty of quality in attack and with both teams scoring in the reverse fixture a repeat could be considered at 17/20 with Unibet. Over 2.5 goals could also be on the cards at 6/5 with Unibet.
There were more second half goals in Spain’s previous UNL fixture and Tuesday’s clash could be set to follow a similar pattern at 11/10 with William Hill.
This UEFA Nations League match between Portugal and Spain will be played on Sep 27, 2022 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Portugal vs Spain prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
