Two teams in dire need of three points for their quest for the UEFA Nations League lock horns this week. Portugal will be looking to play host to side Sweden in the Group A3 clash. The match schedules for Wednesday with kickoff at 9:45 pm.
Portugal played off a goalless draw against France in their Sunday clash. Sweden fell short of a 2-1 defeat to Croatia on the same night.
The reigning champions played a 0-0 goalless draw against European heavyweights France. The draw means both heavyweights are level on points following the Sunday evening stalemate. Fernando Santos witnessed his side share spoils for the second time in a row following their friendly bout against Spain.
Portugal has a significant fight in their hands to fight while contending to secure their qualification for the UEFA Nations League finals and retaining their crown. It was a horror show for Cristiano Ronaldo who registered no goal or assist in the game.
The reigning champions are however in good form under Santos with only one defeat in their last 20 matches across all competitions. Their last defeat was a 2-1 loss to Ukraine in the Euro 2020 qualifiers.
James Andersson expected a tough call in the same group with the champions. Relegation to League B might be next for Sweden with a high level of competition posed by Portugal and France.
Portugal vs Sweden Head to Head
Both sides have 18 matches against each other with Portugal taking five wins while Sweden with seven wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
France 0-0 Portugal
Portugal 0-0 Spain
Sweden 0-2 Portugal
Portugal 4-1 Croatia
Luxembourg 0-2 Portugal
Away
Croatia 2-1 Sweden
Russia 1-2 Sweden
Sweden 0-2 Portugal
Sweden 0-1 France
Portugal Team News
Rui Patricio looks set to make his 90th cap for Portugal after Lyon’s Anthony Lope dropped out after a positive coronavirus test. Santos will not underestimate the power of his opponents and choosing a strong team. No injury concerns currently face the side. New options available includes Diogo Jota and Joao Cancelo.
Sweden Team News
Ludwig Augustinsson recently left the camp to rejoin with Werder Bremen in lien of the start of the Bundesliga. Rangers defender Filip Hollander is a miss for the match after picking an injury. An unnamed goalkeeper picked up an injury ahead of the clash.
Prediction and Odds
After a three losing streak already for heir opponents, Portugal look set to make it a straight win this weekend.
Correct Score: 3-1
Goals Over 4.5
Ronaldo to Score
