European heavyweights Spain and Portugal go head to head on matchday 1 of the UEFA Nations League 2022-23 at Estadio Benito Villamarin in the early hours of Friday, June 3. The match will kick off at 12:15 AM IST.
Spain are hit by a few injury issues ahead of the contest, with centre-back Aymeric Laporte set to miss due to a knee problem. Young midfielder Pedri is also a notable absentee. Meanwhile, David de Gea continues to miss out, meaning that Unai Simon will retain his place between the sticks.
For Portugal, Ruben Dias remains the only high-profile player to miss out.
Spain vs Portugal odds for UEFA Nations League 2022-23
Spain: 2.12
Portugal: 3.65
Draw: 3.25
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Note: Odds are subject to change.
Spain vs Portugal recent form
Luis Enrique’s Spanish national team hasn’t lost a game since September 2021 when they went down 2-1 against Sweden in the world cup qualifiers. Since then, La Roja have won each of their last six games. During this time, they have scored 15 goals while conceding just one.
Portugal, on the other hand, have been comparatively inconsistent, having won three of their last five games. This includes wins over Luxembourg, Turkey and North Macedonia. They have lost once (against Serbia) and have been held to a 0-0 draw by Ireland too.
Spain: W, W, W, W, W
Portugal: W, W, L, D, W
Spain vs Portugal head-to-head
Since their first-ever meeting in 1921, Spain and Portugal have played a total of 38 matches, with the former winning an impressive 17 times while Portugal have managed a mere six wins. Of these 38 matches, only nine matches have been competitive and Spain have managed five wins in those outings.
Spain: 17
Portugal: 6
Draw: 15
Last five meetings:
Spain 0-0 Portugal
Portugal 0-0 Spain
Portugal 3-3 Spain
Portugal 2-4 Spain (on penalties)
Portugal 4-0 Spain
Spain vs Portugal prediction and football betting tips for UEFA Nations League 2022-23
Given Spain’s recent run of form, it’s no surprise that they have the odds in their favour. The team has been scoring goals left, right and centre, and while Portugal haven’t been that bad either, the difference in quality since Luis Enrique’s arrival is pretty much evident.
This could be a tight fixture, but Spain sure have the recipe for success.
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Featured photo: AFP / Javier Soriano
