Wales narrowly missed out on reaching the World Cup, scoring in all nine qualifiers. Craig Bellamy’s side can find the net in Lisbon, but Jorge Jesus has more weapons at his disposal who can make the difference.
Key Stats
- Portugal have kept 2 clean sheets in their last 7 matches.
- Wales have scored in their last 10 competitive matches.
- Wales have seen BTTS in 6 of their last 7 matches.
HTH
Portugal’s first three encounters against Wales came in friendlies. The first competitive clash came in the 2016 European Championship semi-finals, Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani scoring in a 2-0 victory.
New Era for Portugal
Portugal are coming off a disappointing World Cup campaign. A 1-1 draw against DR Congo was followed by a 5-0 win against Uzbekistan, Cristiano Ronaldo scoring two goals.
Roberto Martinez’s side finished second in Group K after a 0-0 draw against Colombia. They were outplayed by the South American side, ending the contest with 45% possession, 13-24 shots and 0.92-1.70 xG.
The Seleção needed extra time to get past Croatia in the Round of 32. They trailed 1-0 in Toronto, Ronaldo equalising and Gonçalo Ramos scoring in added time to secure a 2-1 victory.
Portugal’s campaign came to an end against Spain in the Round of 16. They were second best once again, conceding in added time to go down 1-0 in Dallas.
Martinez announced his departure immediately after the defeat.
Portugal Squad, Team News & Predicted Line Up
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Rui Silva, Samuel Soares
Defenders: Rúben Dias, João Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Diogo Dalot, Gonçalo Inácio, Renato Veiga, Tomás Araújo, Nuno Tavares
Midfielders: Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Rúben Neves, Vitinha, João Palhinha, João Neves
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, João Félix, Rafael Leão, Pedro Neto, Gonçalo Ramos, Francisco Conceição, Francisco Trincão, Fábio Silva
Samuel Soares has been called up with Nuno Tavares, João Palhinha and Fábio Silva back in the squad. Cristiano Ronaldo will have an opportunity to add to his 146 international goals.
Jorge Jesus commented on João Félix’s position: “João Félix isn't a player to play on the wing with me. That doesn't mean a strategic change can't happen during the game.”
“He'll always be a second striker and a first striker. With time, I have no doubt that he'll be a first striker, given his creative and finishing ability.”
Portugal (4-4-1-1): Diogo Costa; João Cancelo; Rúben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes; Pedro Neto, Vitinha, João Neves, Francisco Conceição; João Félix; Cristiano Ronaldo
Bellamy Stays in Charge of Wales
Wales went close to qualifying for the World Cup, thrashing North Macedonia 7-1 to reach the playoffs.
Craig Bellamy’s side led Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-0 in Cardiff but couldn’t close it out, conceding in the 86th minute before losing the penalty shootout.
The Dragons then turned their attention to friendlies, earning 1-1 draws against Northern Ireland and Ghana. Their last match ended in a 2-1 defeat in Romania.
Bellamy remains as Wales manager after turning down an approach from Burnley. He said: “It was flattering. We all like our ego being exercised and being wanted, but for me, my partner, my kids, this is the place and we didn't see anything else being able to move that.”
Wales Squad, Team News & Predicted Line Up
Goalkeepers: Danny Ward, Tom King, David Cornell
Defenders: Ben Davies, Connor Roberts, Neco Williams, Chris Mepham, Rhys Norrington-Davies, Ben Cabango, Jay Dasilva, Jayden Lienou
Midfielders: Ethan Ampadu, Jordan James, Josh Sheehan, Liam Cullen, Wes Burns, Joel Colwill, Cameron Congreve, Charlie Savage
Forwards: Daniel James, Kieffer Moore, David Brooks, Brennan Johnson, Sorba Thomas, Mark Harris, Lewis Koumas, Cian Ashford, Joe Taylor
Defence is an issue with Joe Rodon out alongside Dylan Lawlor and Ronan Kpakio.
Ben Cabango and Jordan James return to international duty and Cardiff striker Cian Ashford has been included for the first time.
Harry Wilson, Nathan Broadhead and Karl Darlow pulled out of Bellamy's squad and have been replaced by David Cornell, Charlie Savage and Joe Taylor.
Wales (4-3-3): Danny Ward; Neco Williams, Ben Cabango, Chris Mepham, Jay Dasilva; Harry Wilson, Ethan Ampadu, Jordan James; Daniel James, Kieffer Moore, Brennan Johnson