Poland vs Portugal Prediction

Saturday is a busy day in Nations League A tier group 1, as all four teams play at the same time. While Croatia look to down Scotland, Portugal will travel to Poland in a bid to maintain their 100% record in the group phase.

Poland come off the back of a brave performance at Euro 2024 despite an exceptionally tough group featuring the Netherlands, Austria and France (against whom they managed a 1-1 draw), and they came away with some credit from the tournament despite their group stage exit.

Portugal on the other hand left the tournament receiving criticism, which saw them fail to score in 240 minutes of knockout football, losing to France on penalties in the quarter finals. However, they have been in good form in the Nations League, beating both Croatia and Scotland 2-1.

As the game approaches, here is everything you need to know ahead of kick-off.

Key Statistics

• Poland have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven matches, a streak that looks likely to continue against a talented Portugal frontline.
• However, they have scored in all but two of their games since October 2023, something which may help them hit back should they concede.
• Portugal are undefeated in their five meetings with Poland, drawing three and winning two.
• Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make his 215th appearance for the National team, further extending his international record.

Poland Preview

Poland Predicted Lineup (5-3-2): Lukasz Skorupsi (GK), Nicola Zalewski, Jakub Kiwior, Jan Bednarek, Sebastian Walukiewicz, Przemyslaw Frankowski; Piotr Zielinksi, Kacper Urbanski, Sebastian Szymanski; Robert Lewandowski, Adam Buksa.

Poland made an excellent start to their Nations League campaign with a tenacious 3-2 win over rock-bottom Scotland. However, they then stumbled against Croatia, falling to a 1-0 defeat in a game in which they will feel that they had the chances to take something from.

With a promising side full of up and coming youngsters, Poland can certainly cause problems for big sides, particularly down the wings with the pace of Zalewski and Frankowski, and of course they have the ever-present goal threat of Lewandowski up front.

Poland will certainly be a difficult opposition, but Portugal may be just one step too far.

Portugal Preview

Portugal predicted lineup (4-3-3): Diogo Costa (GK); Nuno Mendes, Antonio Silva, Goncalo Inacio, Nelson Semedo; Joao Neves, Joao Palhinha, Bernardo Silva; Rafael Leao, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pedro Neto.

Winning their first two games as favorites to top the group, it has very much been business as usual for Portugal after their poor Euro 2024 showing.

They have a balanced mix of experienced quality players combined with young future stars, and coach Roberto Martinez has used the talent at his disposal to create a very exciting squad.

Mixing relative unknowns such as Renato Veiga and Samu with world class names like Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias, there is incredible squad depth in this Portugal side, and a game against Poland poses a good opportunity for some of the lesser known names to make an impression off the bench.

However, Portugal will not underestimate their opponent, and will likely play a strong starting lineup with a view to bringing on more inexperienced names later.

Poland vs Portugal Head to Head

Recent meetings:

• 20/11/2018: Portugal 1-1 Poland.
• 11/10/2018: Poland 2-3 Portugal.
• 30/06/2016: Poland 1-1 Portugal.
• 29/02/2012: Poland 0-0 Portugal.
• 10/06/2002: Portugal 4-0 Poland.

Poland vs Portugal Betting Tip

While Portugal are the overwhelming favorites, Poland certainly have character about them, and their performances against France and Netherlands at the Euros indicate that they can certainly push the big teams to their limits.

This is why we are predicting a surprise draw, and a crucial point for Poland. They may not have the best defense, and they will likely leak goals, but their attacking proficiency usually digs them out any hole they find themselves in.

Poland vs Portugal Final Prediction

Poland 2-2 Portugal

This game will be end to end and a superb spectacle for the neutral fan. I see Portugal scoring first, before Poland step their game up and take the lead with a quickfire double.

If this happens, they will sit back in the second half and protect their lead, and Portugal will eventually find the breakthrough for the equalizer. This could simply be wishful thinking, but with Poland's goal scoring record, and Portugal’s poor performance at the Euro’s, it will be a surprisingly tight affair.