Poland vs Portugal Prediction, Match Preview & Betting Suggestions, 13 October 2024

Poland gears up to host Portugal in the third round of the UEFA Nations League A, set to take place at the National Stadium in Warszawa. This match is pivotal for both teams, shaping their journey in this competition. Portugal, currently topping the group with six points, looks to extend their winning streak under coach Roberto Martínez. On the other hand, Poland, positioned third with three points, needs a win to stay in contention.

Poland’s coach Michał Probierz is focusing on technical midfielders for the encounter. However, their recent performance, as seen in the loss to Croatia, presents challenges in executing robust strategies. Key players like Robert Lewandowski and Piotr Zieliński need to step up to counter Portugal’s attacking prowess led by Cristiano Ronaldo.

The weather forecast predicts light rain with a temperature of 10°C, which might favor a more defensive and cautious game plan for Poland. According to bookmakers, Portugal is the favorite with odds standing at 1.62 for a win, compared to Poland’s 5.19.

Considering Poland’s defensive struggles recently and Portugal’s attacking form, the recommended bet is Portugal -1.00 (Asian Handicap) at odds of 2.21. Expect Portugal to create numerous scoring opportunities and aim for a decisive win.

Poland vs Portugal Prediction & Betting Tip

Recommended Betting Tip:

Our recommended bet for this UEFA Nations League match is Portugal -1.00 (Asian Handicap). Given the current form and strength of both teams, Portugal is likely to dominate.

Poland vs Portugal Prediction
Betting tip	Odds
Portugal -1.00 (Asian Handicap)	2.21

• Portugal, under Roberto Martínez, has consistently performed well, winning both of their matches in the competition so far.
• Despite Robert Lewandowski’s presence, Poland lacks overall quality and has struggled defensively, as evident from their last five games.
• Cristiano Ronaldo is in excellent form, having scored 2 goals in 2 matches this tournament.

Expect Portugal to create plenty of scoring opportunities and push for a decisive win.

Poland vs Portugal Odds

• | | Bet | Odds | | Poland | 5.19 | | Draw | 3.93 | | Portugal | 1.62 |
• Looking at the odds, it’s clear that Portugal is the favorite to win this UEFA Nations League match. With odds of 1.62, the bookmakers are leaning heavily towards Portugal, especially given their consistent performance and b squad. Poland, on the other hand, has odds of 5.19, indicating they are the underdogs. A draw is also unlikely with odds at 3.93. For those looking to place a bet, it seems the smart money is on Portugal to continue their winning streak.

Poland vs Portugal Live Streaming

• The UEFA Nations League live broadcast is present in India with the Sony Sports Network. The Live streaming of the matches is available on the SonyLiv website and app. Fans can watch Italy vs Belgium live streaming on SonyLiv at 12:15 AM on Friday.

Poland Team Analysis

Poland Recent Performance LWDLL

Poland’s recent form has been less than stellar, with only one win in their last five matches. Despite a notable 3-2 victory over Scotland, Poland suffered defeats to Croatia, Austria, and the Netherlands, showing inconsistency in their performances.

Home team	Away team	Result
Croatia	Poland	1-0 (Loss)
Scotland	Poland	2-3 (Win)
France	Poland	1-1 (Draw)
Poland	Austria	1-3 (Loss)
Poland	Netherlands	1-2 (Loss)

Poland has struggled defensively, managing no clean sheets in the last five games. They have averaged 1.20 goals per game and will need to tighten their defense to contend with Portugal’s potent attack. Coach Michal Probierz faces a challenge in addressing these weaknesses. Recent Form: LWDLL

Poland Key Players

Poland’s key players heading into the UEFA Nations League match against Portugal include their talismanic striker Robert Lewandowski, who is the top scorer for the team with one goal in the tournament so far. He will be the centerpiece of Poland’s attacking efforts. Piotr Zielinski, who struggled in the previous game, will be crucial in the midfield, looking to provide creativity and support. Nicola Zalewski is another player to watch, tasked with creating opportunities from the left flank. Expected lineup for Poland:

• Goalkeeper: Lukasz Skorupski
• Defenders: Jakub Kaminski, Sebastian Walukiewicz, Jan Bednarek, Pawel Dawidowicz, Nicola Zalewski
• Midfielders: Kacper Urbanski, Piotr Zielinski, Sebastian Szymański
• Attackers: Krzysztof Piatek, Robert Lewandowski Key battles to watch include Lewandowski against Portugal’s formidable centre-backs Ruben Dias and Antonio Silva, and Zielinski versus Bruno Fernandes in the midfield.

Poland Suspensions & Injuries

Poland will be affected by several injuries heading into their UEFA Nations League match against Portugal. Coach Michał Probierz has had to make strategic adjustments due to the absence of key players. Here’s a look at the injuries and how they might impact the team:

Player	Injury	Expected return
Adrian Benedyczak	Ankle injury	Doubtful
Arkadiusz Milik	Meniscus injury	Mid November 2024
Adam Buksa	Muscle injury	Doubtful
Mateusz Wieteska	Thigh injury	Late October 2024

Arkadiusz Milik’s absence is particularly significant as it means Poland will look to either Krzysztof Piątek or Karol Świderski as alternatives in attack. The lack of depth could strain Poland’s options, especially if the match requires intense physicality or multiple substitutions.

Poland Tactics and Formation

Poland Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 5-3-2
• Key Forward: Robert Lewandowski
• Midfield Trio: Kacper Urbanski, Piotr Zielinski, Sebastian Szymański
• Defensive Setup: Lukasz Skorupski in goal, a five-man defense with Jakub Kaminski, Sebastian Walukiewicz, Jan Bednarek, Pawel Dawidowicz, and Nicola Zalewski.

Notable Strategy: Poland’s coach, Michał Probierz, emphasizes aggressive play and technical abilities in midfield. Despite recent struggles, the team aims to solidify their defense and rely on Robert Lewandowski’s prowess up front. Expect Poland to focus on quick transitions and counter-attacks. Given their previous issues against Croatia, maintaining compactness and improving ball movement into open spaces will be crucial. Probierz’s tactical adjustments are also geared towards preparing for World Cup qualifiers, making this match a vital test for his strategies.

Portugal Team Analysis

Portugal Recent Performance WWLWL

Portugal enters this match with a mixed record in their last five games, registering three wins and two losses. Their recent form, represented as WWLWL, reflects their competitive edge and occasional setbacks. Recent Form: WWLWL Portugal has achieved an average of 2.00 goals per game and has managed to keep one clean sheet in their last five matches. Despite a slip-up against Georgia, their victories over Scotland and Croatia demonstrate their capability under pressure.

Home team	Away team	Result
Portugal	Scotland	2-1 (Win)
Portugal	Croatia	2-1 (Win)
Portugal	France	0-0 (Loss, Pen)
Portugal	Slovenia	0-0 (Win, Pen)
Georgia	Portugal	2-0 (Loss)

Their overall performance, led by coach Roberto Martínez, underlines their strategic strength and Ronaldo’s pivotal role in the team.

Portugal Key Players

Portugal’s lineup is brimming with talent and star power. Leading the line is Cristiano Ronaldo, their top scorer this tournament with 2 goals in 2 matches. His experience and clinical finishing make him a constant threat in the box. Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva are key orchestrators in midfield, known for their creative play and ability to unlock defenses with pinpoint passes. Expected lineup for Portugal:

• Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa
• Defenders: Nélson Semedo, Ruben Dias, António Silva, Nuno Mendes
• Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes, João Palhinha, Bernardo Silva
• Attackers: Pedro Neto, Diogo Jota, Rafael Leão
• Fans should watch out for the battle between Ronaldo and Poland’s Jan Bednarek, which could be pivotal in determining the match’s outcome.

Portugal Suspensions & Injuries

Portugal will be without several key players due to injuries, which could impact their squad depth and performance. However, they have no suspensions to worry about for this match.

Player	Injury	Expected return
Goncalo Ramos	Ankle injury	Early November 2024
William Carvalho	Achilles tendon injury	Late November 2024
Pedro Gonçalves “Pote”	Hamstring injury	Early November 2024
Gonçalo Inácio	Muscle injury	Late October 2024

Despite these setbacks, Portugal’s squad boasts enough depth to compensate for the missing players. These absences will test the versatility and resourcefulness of Roberto Martinez’s team as they aim to maintain their perfect record in the tournament.

Portugal Tactics and Formation

Portugal’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Cristiano Ronaldo, with 2 goals in 2 matches.
• Midfield Trio: Bernardo Silva, João Palhinha, Bruno Fernandes

Portugal, under Roberto Martínez, employs a dynamic 4-3-3 setup that balances attacking flair with defensive solidity.
Up front, the trio of Ronaldo, Diogo Jota, and Rafael Leão creates numerous scoring opportunities with their pace and finishing skills.
The midfield, orchestrated by Bruno Fernandes, provides both creativity and defensive cover, pivotal in transitional play.
Defensively, Portugal relies on the robust pairing of Ruben Dias and António Silva, supported by full-backs Nuno Mendes and Nélson Semedo.
Given their recent form and depth, Portugal is expected to control possession and utilize quick, incisive attacks to exploit Poland’s defense.

Poland vs. Portugal Head-to-Head Statistics

Here’s a breakdown of the last five meetings between Poland and Portugal:

Home	Away	Result
Portugal	Poland	1-1
Poland	Portugal	2-3
Poland	Portugal	1-1 (Penalties: 3-5)
Poland	Portugal	0-0
Portugal	Poland	2-2

Poland and Portugal have had closely contested matches in recent years, with several games ending in draws, showcasing the competitive nature of their encounters.

Venue and Weather

The match between Poland and Portugal will take place at the National Stadium in Warszawa, which boasts a capacity of roughly 58,500 seats. It’s well-known for its electric atmosphere, especially during significant international fixtures.

For the match on 13 October 2024, the weather forecast indicates light rain with a temperature of 10°C. The humidity will be quite high at 95%, with a gentle wind speed of 2.81 m/s.

These conditions could make the pitch slick, potentially affecting ball control and the pace of play. Both teams may need to adjust their tactics, with a particular emphasis on solid defensive setups to minimize slips and handling errors. Portugal’s high-pressing game might be slightly hampered, while Poland might capitalize on quick counter-attacks. Expect an engaging contest influenced by the damp conditions.