Cristiano Ronaldo-less Portugal travel to Poland on Thursday evening aiming for their second win in the UEFA Nations League.
The European champions were without Ronaldo for the victory over Italy last month and while in the past they have been reliant on the Juventus forward for goals, Portugal have shown they can cope without the 33-year-old.
Latest odds
Poland drew their Nations League opener also against Italy and 888Sport offer them at 9/5 (2.80) to claim three points.
Portugal, meanwhile, have lost just two of their last 18 matches in all competitions and are priced at 17/11 (2.55) with the draw available at 28/13 (3.15).
Team news
With Ronaldo missing for Portugal, goalscoring responsibilities are likely to fall to Sevilla striker Andre Silva. The forward is La Liga’s second top scorer this season and is likely to lead the line after scoring the winner against Italy last month.
Poland striker Robert Lewandowski will win his 100th cap if he features on Thursday night.
Preview
A second win for Portugal in Group 3 of League A would put them in an extremely strong position, and we should expect Fernando Santos’ side look for the victory.
The winners of Euro 2016 have scored exactly one goal in each of their last five matches in all competitions and their games tend to be relatively low scoring affairs.
Nevertheless, they have enough quality to beat a Poland side that has been underwhelming in the last few months.
Tips and predictions
The visitors are offered at 41/50 (1.82) to win at least one half and that seems like an solid option. Portugal have scored in 16 of their last 18 matches and should have no problem doing so once more against Poland.
This bet paid out in four of Portugal’s five qualifiers for the World Cup that they played away from home, and Santos’ side have shown themselves to be pretty adept at protecting a lead.
Portugal to win a half at 41/50 (1.82) for a 2pt stake with 888Sport
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