Poland vs Portugal Predictions

Can Portugal continue to lead the way in their Nations League group after their trip to Poland this week? The visitors were able to win 1-0 against Italy last month without Cristiano Ronaldo, and they are without their talisman yet again this week. He is absent as he considers his international career, and now the rebuilding job has begun for the Euro 2016 winners. They have to find a potential way forward without the reigning Ballon d’Or, and another positive result this week would be a huge boost for the Selecao.

Poland opened up their Nations League campaign with a draw in Italy, and they are set for a deciding month in their group. This meeting with Portugal is followed by their home clash with Italy, so the Polish could be in a strong position after his huge double header. They will want to build on the point they picked up away to the Azzurri, after impressing in that trip. They couldn’t quit come away with the three points, but it seems like top spot in this group is a fight between these two, based on early displays.

Portugal are gunning to secure a place at the Euros in 2020 as they look to retain their crown. However, the World Cup showed that they have work to do, after relying on a creaking defence for a little too long. The European champions need to rejuvenate their attack, and Andre Silva looks to be their man going forward. His strike in the 1-0 win over Italy came during a turnaround for the former Porto man. He’s hit seven goals in eight league games since moving to Sevilla, and his form for La Liga’s leaders makes him one to watch here.

Of course, this is a Poland side who have their own attacking talent. The obvious pick is Robert Lewandowski, but there’s plenty supporting the Bayern man now. There’s an Italian based section of this Polish side who are a threat going forward. That includes Napoli’s Piotr Zielinski, who scored away to Italy last month. There’s also highly rated forward Krzysztof Piątek, who has now racked up 13 goals for Genoa in eight starts this season. Should Poland struggle to find their way to goal, they have attacking reinforcements to call upon.

With that in mind, we are backing goals in this clash. Three of their last four head to head meetings have seen both teams score, and the two sides are currently looking a little short in defence. Poland have one clean sheet in five, while three of Portugal’s last four games have seen both teams score. With each side packing their own attacking talent, we think both teams to score is well valued ahead of this clash.