Portugal vs Wales predictions: Fernandes can make scoring contribution in Selecao success
Aaron Ashley
Portugal have lost only two of their last 18 international matches
Portugal have won eight of their last nine home games, conceding in seven
Recommended bet: Portugal to win, Bruno Fernandes anytime goalscorer & over 7.5 shots on target for Portugal @ 3.6/1
Portugal are the Nations League holders after beating Spain on penalties in the 2024-25 final and are expected to be tough to stop in Group A4, where they have been drawn against Denmark, Norway and Wales.
The Selecao are under new management after their last-16 exit to Spain at the World Cup, replacing Roberto Martinez with Jorge Jesus, and his first test comes against Wales in Lisbon.
Wales returned to the top tier of the Nations League after sealing promotion from Group B4, topping a section including Turkey, Iceland and Montenegro.
Team news
New Portugal manager Jesus has selected 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo in his squad, with Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias and Pedro Neto also included.
Samuel Soares, Nuno Tavares, Joao Palhinha and Fabio Silva are newcomers who have been called up by Jesus.
Wales have endured a triple blow ahead of their Nations League A campaign, with Harry Wilson, Nathan Broadhead and Karl Darlow all forced to withdraw from the squad due to injury.
Huddersfield striker Joe Taylor has been selected as one of the replacements as he seeks his first cap alongside Reading's Charlie Savage.
The squad also includes Premier League contingent Ben Davies, Neco Williams, Jay Dasilva, Ethan Ampadu, Dan James, Lewis Koumas and David Brooks.
The latest Portugal vs Wales odds are available on LiveScore Bet
The stats
Portugal have won their last two meetings with Wales to nil
Portugal have lost only two of their last 18 international matches
Wales have won only four of their last 19 away games, suffering eight defeats
There have been two or fewer goals in six of Wales' last 10 games
Both teams have scored in only five of Portugal's last 11 matches
Portugal have won eight of their last nine home games, conceding in seven of those wins
The latest Portugal vs Wales odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
Portugal have won two of the four editions of the Nations League and they will be expected to have too much for Wales in Lisbon.
The Selecao are under new management, so there could be teething problems, but they have an array of superstars at their disposal, along with newcomers keen to show they belong in Jesus' plans.
Portugal tend to create chances and they recorded 2-1 wins over Nigeria and Chile in friendlies before the World Cup in June, having a combined total of 14 shots on target.
Wales have done well under Craig Bellamy, but Portugal could teach them a harsh lesson, and Bruno Fernandes may play a key role.
The Manchester United midfielder has had 19 shots in five Premier League appearances this season, and 56 goal contributions in 94 caps show his importance to Portugal.
Score Prediction - Portugal 3-0 Wales
