Portugal vs Wales Nations League prediction: Match preview, team news, key stats & h2h

Portugal will begin their UEFA Nations League title defense with a potentially thrilling match against Wales on Thursday in Lisbon. 

The reigning champions start life under new head coach Jorge Jesus, who will take charge of his first game since taking over from Roberto Martinez after a disappointing World Cup campaign. 

Wales are returning to League A after sealing promotion from the lower tier and will be looking to make an instant impact in their first match back. 

Portugal and Wales are joined by Denmark and Norway in Group A4, with the top two teams progressing to the quarter-finals and the bottom side facing the possibility of relegation.

Veteran Cristiano Ronaldo was included in the squad by Jesus and there is plenty of intrigue surrounding whether the 41-year old can still be a key figure for his side in the Nations League. 

Can the defending champions get their campaign off to a winning start against an eager Welsh side? Here is our prediction for the match. 

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The match kicks off at 9:45PM E.A.T at the Estadio Jose Alvalade 

Center back pairing of Ruben Dias and Renato Veiga are both fit and will start ahead of Diogo Costa in goal. 

Ronaldo, who is Portugal’s all-time leading scorer, is expected to captain the side. 

Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes will be the key part of the hosts attacking formula in the center, with Joao Felix and Pedro Neto on the wide areas. 

Vitinha and Joao Neves will also feature in the starting XI to control the midfield. 

Craig Bellamy has some decisions to make regarding his starting XI, with defenders Joe Rodon and Dylan Lowlar both ruled out with injury. 

Harry Wilson has however been declared fit and is expected to start as Keiffer Moore spearheads the attack. 

Daniel James and Brennan Johnson are also both fit and expected to feature as well. 

Portugal have dominated the recent head-to-head record between the two countries.

The teams have met twice in the modern record highlighted ahead of this fixture, with Portugal winning both matches without conceding.

The last time these nations met was in 2016. 

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Portugal – DWDWL

Wales – WLDDL

• Portugal 2-0 Wales (July 6, 2016)
• Portugal 3-0 Wales (June 2, 2000)

Portugal are the stronger side on paper and have home advantage.

They also possess considerably more depth across midfield and attack.

Wales’ defensive injuries could make the task even more difficult, particularly if Portugal are able to establish sustained pressure.

Prediction – Portugal to win – PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME HERE!