Croatia vs Portugal Prediction & Betting Tips - UEFA Nations League

Prediction published on 15/11/2020, 16:04  by James | Modified on 15/11/2020 at 17:04 in UEFA Nations League Predictions

Croatia welcome Portugal to the Stadion Poljud on Tuesday night for a UEFA Nations League clash. Portugal, the reigning champions, have failed to retain their title after a 1-0 home defeat to France condemned them to a second-place finish in Group 3 of League A. France will go on to the finals in 2021. Croatia are in bad shape after losing 2-1 away to Sweden in their last UNL outing, their fourth defeat of a disastrous campaign. They remain in third place in the group despite that defeat, ahead of the Swedes thanks to their superior goalscoring record. Sweden will have their hands full against France but Croatia can't rely on the World Cup holders to inflict a heavy defeat on their relegation rivals. They need to get a better result against Portugal to ensure they shirk demotion to League B. If their last meeting with Portugal is any indication of how this will go, they will find getting a result tough.

Battered 4-1 in the reverse fixture, Croatia should be able to offer a better contest at home. They have won 18 of their last 24 matches at home in all competitions. However, they are also winless in three coming into this game, two of which they lost. A tough run of fixtures means that Portugal have failed to win three of their last five games. Away from home, they are unbeaten in eight of their last nine matches. Their previous two visits to Croatia ended in victory. Both teams have scored in Croatia's last ten games. We think Portugal will ultimately get the win but not before conceding along the way. Back both teams to score.