Portugal vs Scotland prediction: Can Tartan Army cause an upset?
Portugal and Scotland continue their Uefa Nations League campaigns with a clash in Lisbon on Sunday, September 8th.
Portugal are once again competing in Nations League A after finishing second in Group A2 last season. They missed out on the Finals by just a single point to eventual winners Spain. Scotland, meanwhile, topped Group B1 ahead of Ukraine, Republic of Ireland, and Armenia with just one defeat from six matches.
Three predictions for Portugal vs Scotland
Portugal 3-0 Scotland (6/1 with Paddy Power)
Portugal have not lost to Scotland since March 1980, winning four and drawing two of their six meetings since then. Roberto Martinez’s squad has exceptional depth, and with a large gap in quality between themselves and the deflated Scots, a comfortable victory could be on the cards.
Bruno Fernandes anytime goalscorer (9/5 Paddy Power)
Bruno Fernandes has scored an impressive ten goals in his last 17 international appearances for his national side. Considering the calibre of opponent he faces on home soil on Sunday, 9/5, with Paddy Power, it looks like a price we can certainly get behind and cheer on.
John McGinn 3+ Fouls Won (TBC)
John McGinn is one of the toughest players to face in the Premier League and is a master at winning fouls. The Scot ranked 5th for fouls won in the English top-flight last season and has won totals of 3,4 and 2 in his first trio of matches this term. On Thursday against Poland, in the 3-2 defeat, he was fouled on five occasions, and backing him to clear the 3+ line looks like a wise play against Portugal.
How both teams go into Portugal vs Scotland
On Thursday, Portugal came out 2-1 winners against Croatia thanks to goals from Diogo Dalot and Cristiano Ronaldo, with the latter becoming the first man in history to reach the figure of 900 goals.
Scotland played out a thriller with Poland at Hampden Park, but they were on the wrong side of a 3-2 defeat thanks to a 97th-minute Nicola Zalewski penalty. After a physical contest against Poland, a tough trip to Portugal is now on the cards.
Portugal latest team news
Raphael Leao and Pedro Neto are yet again expected to partner Cristiano Ronaldo in attack for Portugal. Ruben Neves and Francisco Trincao are pushing for starts after coming on as substitutes against Croatia, with no other injury concerns for Martinez.
Scotland’s latest team news
The key figures of Che Adams and Kieran Tierney are both sidelined due to injury for Steve Clarke, and he faces the question of either starting Lawrence Shankland or Lyndon Dykes at the head of attack. Clarke gave debuts to Ben Doak and Ryan Gauld against Poland, but expect a familiar starting XI for this tough trip to the Iberian peninsula.
How to watch Portugal vs Scotland live
Portugal vs Scotland takes place on Sunday, September 8th, at 7:45pm (UK time) and will be broadcast live in the UK on Premier Sports.
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