UEFA Nations League: Portugal vs. France Preview, Odds, Prediction

Saturday in the UEFA Nations League brings a lot of fun. The biggest match of the day is in Portugal, where European champions meet with France, the winner of the previous World Cup. Two of the strongest teams on the continent have a showdown that generates colossal attention. A few of the world’s most popular players will highlight this event, among them Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe. To cut to the chase, we have everything set to have one marvelous match at Benfica’s Estadio La Luz.

Preview 

Portugal (+135) destroyed Andora before this match, beating the small country from the Pyrenees 7-0. They used this event to heat up a little bit and try various ideas that could be useful against France. The opponent was nowhere near the upcoming rival, but still, they presented a solid training.

This event was also the fifth in a row in which Portugal didn’t allow a goal, and eighth over the past 10 matches, proving that this side is still fantastic when it comes to protecting its own net, despite the doubts encountered from various sides.

Selecao also hasn’t lost at home since the end of the World Cup, playing 13 events, winning 8, and drawing 5 times.

France (+200) lost against Finland this Thursday, and they did it at home in Paris, 0-2. It was one of the more shocking results since the resume of international football, but to be honest, from time to time, France knows to deliver such a sensation. Whether it is the reason a lack of motive or something else, we can’t tell, but this has become a sort of regularity for the Gauls.

Previously they had 13 consecutive matches without a loss, with the latest one coming in June 2016 once France Turkey beat them 2-0.

Up until the most recent win in Croatia, 1-2, preceding four road trips saw the world champs winning without a goal allowed, and each of those games was pretty tough and defensive-minded.

Latest News

Ronaldo is ready, the same as all those who weren’t playing against Andora, Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Rui Patricio etc. 

On the other side, Bayern’s Kinglsey Coman is not available for the game, and the current sources are saying that Mbappe, who was listed doubtful, has solid chances of appearing on the field.

Head to Head Games

The game in October in Paris was pretty dull, without any goals, 0-0. It was the first meeting of the two big teams following the loss in the EURO 2016 finals, once Portugal won after extra-time, inflicting France one of the hardest losses in its history. 

Prediction

Portugal is very tough when playing at home, and just a few teams scored a goal against them in those situations. France is superb when it comes to the attacking part of the play, but they, too, like to protect the net first before attacking. Even though this is an unpopular suggestion, under 2.5 goals are the most reasonable choice for this derby. The odds themselves are pointing in that direction as they currently sit at -170,