Portugal vs North Macedonia Predictions

• Portugal have scored at least twice in five of their last six at home
• However, they’ve conceded in three of their last five home matches
• North Macedonia conceded eight times in three games at the Euros last summer

North Macedonia out to upset the odds again

As international shocks go, North Macedonia beating reigning European champions Italy is unlikely to be topped anytime soon. The Italians have now missed successive World Cups after a 1-0 defeat at home to North Macedonia, which has teed up the underdogs for a trip to Portugal.

While we’re not getting the heavyweight showdown between Portugal and Italy for a World Cup spot, the Portuguese are by no means facing an easy ride here. North Macedonia have beaten Germany within the last 12 months too and they made last summer’s Euros, so they pose a threat.

Clinical Portugal don’t have Italy’s issues

It takes nothing away from North Macedonia’s stunning success to say that Italy wasted plenty of chances in their semi-final defeat. They couldn’t score despite having 32 attempts on goal. The bad news for the visitors is that Portugal don’t have the same issues going forward.

While Italy have been misfiring throughout their qualifying campaign, Portugal have scored at least twice in five of their last six at home. Not only do they have Cristiano Ronaldo, but Liverpool forward Diogo Jota’s strike against Turkey last week was his third goal on the spin for club and country. He’s worth backing to strike this week.

Portugal can rack up the goals

North Macedonia head into this clash having won four of their last five games, so they are capable of breaching a Portuguese defence who have conceded to Turkey, Serbia and the Republic of Ireland across their last five at home.

However, the hosts have the firepower to take advantage of the chances North Macedonia tend to give away. They conceded eight times across meetings with the Netherlands, Ukraine and Austria at the Euros last summer.

I’m backing this clash to be much more open than North Macedonia’s visit to Italy, with over 2.5 goals my first prediction. Portugal’s scoring rate at home and their impressive attacking options mean a 3-1 home win is my correct score prediction.