EUROPE – UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE : Spain vs Portugal match prediction.

Spain vs Portugal

Spain vs Portugal : 06/02/22 08:45 PM

Tip Spain – Portugal

Finalists in last season’s UEFA Nations League, Spain are set to kick off their run this season with a home match against Portugal in League A Group 2. In a group that also has Czech Republic and Switzerland, a good start will be key for these two sides. Spain recovered from their loss to France in the Nations League final, to register four straight wins, and they have three clean sheets in that run. They haven’t failed to score in any of their last 14 matches; their last game returned five goals, beating Iceland 5-0 in a friendly game – the third of five matches to produce over 2.5 goals. Spain have called up Ansu Fati, despite spending most of the season injured while Marco Asensio who hasn’t played a lot for Real Madrid is also in the team. Luis Enrique had to take time in his prematch interviews to state the two are important players for the team. The former Spain international will hope to inspire the team to a win here, with these two having drawn in each of the last four meetings.

Portugal haven’t lost to Spain in regular time in their last five meetings; their last loss to the former world champions was in the 2010 World Cup. Three of the last four meetings between these two sides ended in 0-0 draws and of course there’s the memorable 3-3 draw at the 2018 World Cup. Portugal come into this game having secured their place in the 2022 World Cup via the playoffs, after beating North Macedonia 2-0. They have a loss and three wins in their last five matches, while they’ve failed to score in just one of their last five games. The team has a collection of star players called up for this game, including Cristiano Ronaldo, who missed the final game of the season at Manchester United. Three of their last five matches have produced over 2.5 goals and they’ve scored two or more goals in three of the five matches.

 

Key points Spain – Portugal

key points iconSpain have three clean sheets in the last five matches.

key points iconPortugal have three clean sheets in their last five matches.

key points iconThree of the last four meetings between these two ended goalless.

key points iconSpain have three straight wins at home.

key points iconPortugal are unbeaten in three straight away games.

 

ConclusionSPAIN – PORTUGAL

This game brings together an array of stars, and two very strong teams that haven’t done really well in recent major competitions. They’ll both be seeking a strong start to the nations league and one stat that stands out, it that defensively, they’ve done well, each keeping three clean sheets in their respective last five games. In their recent meetings also, three of the last four have ended without goals, and while their recent matches have averagely been high scoring, we don’t expect the same here. Go for under 2.5 goals.

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