Prediction: Portugal vs Wales

Two camps who will get their respective Nations League campaigns underway on Thursday night, Portugal will welcome Wales to Lisbon.

With a stacked international schedule pencilled in over the next fortnight, there are plenty of attractive betting promotions available.

Portugal

Starting with the hosts, while Portugal might have touched down in North America over the summer regarded as a potential dark horse contender, Roberto Martinez’s camp drastically failed to find their feet under the bright lights. Watching their World Cup adventure come to a Round of 16 end on July 6th as they fell to a 1-0 loss against eventual champions Spain, the Navigators are getting a new era underway. Watching Martinez immediately leave his post following their North American exit, new boss Jorge Jesus has some serious expectations on his shoulders. However, handed what they feel is a golden opportunity when they return to Lisbon in midweek, Portugal should be excited by their rugged success on home soil. In fact, the former European champions have not suffered a single competitive defeat in front of their own supporters since way back in September 2022.

Officially announcing this month that he is not ready to call time on his international career, five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo has been included in Jesus’ maiden squad. The Manchester United duo of Bruno Fernandes and Diego Dalot will also feature over the next fortnight.

Despite struggling to find his feet after completing a blockbuster switch to Spanish icons Real Madrid this summer, Bernardo Silva has been included. Benfica goalkeeper Samuel Soares has received a senior call-up.

As for the visitors, suffering major World Cup qualifying heartbreak back in March as they were hit with an infamous penalty shootout defeat against Bosnia & Herzegovina, Wales have the feel of a squad who are desperately searching for some stability. While Craig Bellamy might remain in charge, the Dragons have won just a pair of their previous nine appearances across all competitions and they look set for a monumental challenge when they travel to Lisbon on Thursday night. Last seen signing off their summer with another disappointing display as they eventually fell to a 2-1 defeat against Romania, Wales are rightfully installed as a landslide underdog here. It should also be highlighted, failing to win any of their last four consecutive outings, Bellamy’s squad are enduring their longest winless rut since back in September 2024.

Suffering a hamstring injury this month, Wales will be without the services of Leeds defender Joe Rodon over the next fortnight. However, Cardiff City attacker Cian Ashford has received a maiden senior call-up and could make his international debut in Lisbon.

Receiving a shock recall, 10-cap international Wes Burns could make a first international appearance in two years. While Ben Davies might still be waiting to make a maiden outing for Tottenham this season, the 33-year-old has retained his spot in Bellamy’s squad.

Portugal vs Wales Key Factors to Consider

• When Portugal and Wales last met for a competitive showdown a decade ago, Thursday’s hosts clinched a 2-0 EURO 2016 semi-final victory.
• Portugal have won their two historic battles against the Dragons by an aggregate score of 5-0.
• The former European champions have not suffered a single competitive defeat in front of their own supporters since back in September 2022.
• Wales have mustered just a pair of wins from any of their previous nine appearances across all competitions.
• The Dragons have failed to win any of their last four consecutive outings and are enduring their longest winless rut since back in September 2024.

Getting a new era underway on Thursday night, Jesus will be desperate to officially get his tenure off to a flying start. Not suffering a single competitive defeat in front of their own supporters since way back in September 2022, Portugal will certainly be smelling a real opportunity in Lisbon. Landing a 2-0 victory when they last met Wales in the EURO 2016 semi-finals, the former European champions are rightfully installed as a standout contender here. With the Dragons enduring their longest winless rut since back in September 2024, Bellamy’s downbeat squad will be bracing themselves for a stern examination on foreign soil.

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