Wales open up their Nations League campaign with a tough test in Lisbon as they take on Portugal on Thursday night.
After finishing two points behind Belgium in their World Cup qualifying group, Wales had to navigate themselves through the playoff, but they failed at the first hurdle.
Despite having home advantage, Craig Bellamy’s men could only draw 1-1 with Bosnia & Herzegovina, before losing on penalties, ending their World Cup hopes.
Portugal did participate in North America in the summer, but had a fairly underwhelming tournament, as they were beaten by eventual winners Spain 0-1 in the Round of 16.
Following that exit, A Selecao parted ways with manager Roberto Martinez, with ex-Benfica manager Jorge Jesus taking over for the reigning Nations League champions.
How the bookies view it: Portugal clear favourites
Portugal are short-priced favourites to open up their Nations League campaign with a win, with bet365 pricing the hosts at just 2/9.
Wales are massive 12/1 underdogs, whilst the draw is also unfancied at 11/2.
Head to head: Portuguese with the upper hand
These two nations have previously met on four occasions, with Portugal recording three wins to Wales’ one.
The most recent of those came at Euro 2016, as Portugal won 2-0 in the semi-finals en route to beating hosts France in the final.
Players to watch: Cristiano to continue scoring?
Despite being 41 year old, Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to continue leading the line for A Selecao in Jorge Jesus’ first game in charge.
The Al Nassr striker extended his tally to 146 goals for Portugal at the World Cup in the summer, but he is priced at an unbackable 4/7 at bet365 to get on the scoresheet in Lisbon on Thursday night.
Predicted line-ups:
Portugal appear to be at full strength, with Cristiano Ronaldo called up once again.
Wales, on the other hand, are without Joe Rodon, Dylan Lawlor, Isaak Davies, Rubin Colwill, Harry Wilson, Nathan Broadhead and Karl Darlow.
Portugal: Costa, Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes, Vitinha, Neves, Neto, Fernandes, Felix, Ronaldo
Wales: Ward, Williams, Cabango, Davies, Dasilva, James, Ampadu, Sheehan, James, Johnson, Moore
Anything else catch the eye?
Given Jorge Jesus has a fully-fit talented squad at his disposal, it’s no surprise that his side are short-priced favourites to make a winning start in League A Group 4.
However, Wales have a knack for finding the back of the net under Craig Bellamy, with Both Teams to Score landing in each of their last five internationals and they face a Portugal side that aren’t tight at the back.
The Dragons lost 4-3 away and 2-4 at home to Belgium in World Cup qualifying last year, and combining a Portugal win alongside Both Teams to Score pays an appealing 19/10 at bet365.
Interested in why both teams scoring is such a strong angle? Check out our Masterclass on BTTS and sharpen your match-reading game.
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