Portugal begins a new era under head coach Jorge Jesus as they kick off their Nations League campaign against Wales at Estadio José Alvalade on Sep 24.

Ronaldo Back in Portuguese Squad Under Jesus

Jorge Jesus will take charge of Portugal for the first time this week, as the nation bids to put a disappointing World Cup showing behind them. Despite being among the favourites to win the tournament, the European nation crashed out in the round of 16 after finishing second in Group K.

The team lacked attacking sparkle at the World Cup, scoring just two goals in their previous three. Cristiano Ronaldo’s international future was questioned, but the superstar is back in the squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.

Joao Felix could be handed a start after registering six goal involvements in his previous nine appearances. Bruno Fernandes has scored three times in five for Manchester United this season. Matheus Nunes and Goncalo Ramos have been excluded from this month’s squad.

Portugal predicted lineup vs Wales (4-2-3-1): Costa; Dalot, Dias, Inacio, Mendes; J. Neves, Vitinha; Leao, Fernandes, Felix; Ronaldo

Wales Hoping to Get Back on Track Ahead in Home EUROs Cycle

Craig Bellamy turned down opportunities to leave the Wales job in the summer, as he will instead dream of leading his nation into the home EUROs in two years.

Wales will need to get back on track, having failed to win in all four internationals this year. The biggest blow came in the form of a World Cup playoff loss against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Wales have failed to score more than once in five of their previous six.

Cian Ashford could be in line for a first international appearance after registering three goal involvements in eight appearances for Cardiff City. However, the visitors will be without influential stars such as Harry Wilson, Karl Darlow, and Nathan Broadhead for their Nations League opener.

Wales predicted lineup vs Portugal (4-2-3-1): Ward; Williams, Roberts, Mepham, Dasilva; Ampadu, James; Brooks, Johnson, James; Ashford

Portugal vs Wales Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Portugal
  • Odds: 1.225 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: 6S5BH
  • Correct score prediction: Portugal 2-0 Wales

Key stats:

  • Portugal have lost just once in their last ten international fixtures.
  • Wales have failed to win in six of their previous eight.
  • Portugal have won three of the four head-to-heads.

This should give coach Jesus a perfect opportunity to start with a win for Portugal. The hosts have been in reliable form in recent internationals, losing just once in their previous ten. Against European nations, they have won five of their last eight.

Wales have been in poor overall form since last October, failing to win in six of their eight matches, and losing two of their previous three away from home. Portugal also boast a dominant head-to-head record, winning three of the four clashes, which includes a comfortable 2-0 victory in the latest encounter at EURO 2016.

Portugal vs Wales Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Under 2.5 Goals
  • Odds: 2.31 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: 41SBH

A low-scoring fixture should be expected this week, especially considering that Wales will be without the influential Wilson, who would have been key to their counterattacking game plan.

Wales matches have typically been short of goals, reflected by three of their last four seeing no more than two efforts recorded.

Portugal will also look to get a win on the board without any scares this week, meaning that they will likely play a possession game after taking a lead. The fact that three of their previous five fixtures have seen under 2.5 goals scored is to be respected.

Verdict: Portugal (1.225) — Portugal 2-0 Wales