Portugal vs Sweden Prediction & Betting Tips - UEFA Nations League

Prediction published on 12/10/2020, 14:15  by James | Modified on 12/10/2020 at 15:15 in UEFA Nations League Predictions

Reigning Nations League champions Portugal continue the defence of their crown when they welcome Sweden to Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon later in the week. Portugal, top of Group 3 in League A, are unbeaten after three games, drawing twice and winning once. Their most recent result was an entertaining goalless draw away to France. It extended their unbeaten run to six games in all competitions. Sweden, bottom of the group, have lost all three of their matches so far in the campaign. While they can take solace from the fact that the defeats were relatively narrow, that consolation won't spare them from relegation to League B. Sweden have won four of their last five away games but the quality of the opposition must be taken into account with Malta and the Faroe Islands being among the vanquished countries. Although Portugal are now one of the world's best international teams, Sweden will feel buoyed by their surprisingly impressive record away to the current European champions. They have only lost one of their nine matches away to Portugal, winning five, and won on their most recent visit there, 3-2 in a friendly match in 2017.

Portugal are unbeaten in their last 15 home matches in all competitions. It is a run that features wins over Croatia, Holland, and Italy. Cristiano Ronaldo's prowess on the international stage is well known but his record against Sweden deserves special attention. He's scored seven goals in the four games he's appeared in against Swede, finding the back of the net every time he's taken to the pitch. Portugal's defence has also been exceptional of late, keeping a clean sheet in five of their last six matches. We suggest backing the hosts to win with a clean sheet.