Portugal vs Czech Republic Odds & Prediction – UEFA Nations League Matchday 3 (Jun 9)

• Portugal host Czech Republic in UEFA Nations League Group A2 on June 9th
• The home side are -240 favorites on the moneyline
• Read below for Portugal vs Czech Republic odds and our betting pick

Previous Nations League winners Portugal face Czech Republic in Lisbon on Thursday. While Portugal are among the favorites in the World Cup odds and the Czech Republic didn’t even qualify, this Portugal vs Czech Republic Nations League matchup is still packed with intrigue.

Both teams have taken four points from their first two Group A2 matches, and Jaroslav Šilhavý’s side have lost just once since September 5th, while Portugal stuttered towards the end of their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Portugal are -240 favorites on the moneyline at Caesars. While the Czechs are the weakest of the four teams in the group on paper, they have already notched impressive results with a win over Switzerland and a draw with Spain. They were just minutes away from taking all three points against the Spaniards.

Portugal vs Czech Republic Odds

Odds as of June 8 at Caesars Sportsbook. Check out these Caesars Sportsbook bonuses here

Over/Under and Spread

With the Czech Republic as massive outsiders in Nations League futures & outrights to progress from Group A2, it’s no surprise to see them as hefty underdogs here. Goals are expected with a -135 price on over 2.5.

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Portugal vs Czech Republic Prediction for Nations League Matchday 3

A late goal from Inigo Martinez left Czech Republic having to settle for a point against Spain. It was a real backs to the wall performance from Šilhavý’s team, with just 20% possession and only three shots in the entire match. Portugal are unlikely to be quite as suffocating as the Spaniards were, yet they will still dominate possession in this matchup.

Cristiano Ronaldo has a first-half brace for Portugal against Switzerland 🇵🇹🔴 pic.twitter.com/zMSjZgdLfD

— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) June 5, 2022

Fernando Santos’ team are coming off a dominant win over Switzerland. Cristiano Ronaldo found the net twice in the 4-0 victory, and the Swiss were restricted to just one shot on target. Portugal have lost just once since being knocked out of the Euros last summer, but that defeat came in a high stakes matchup with Serbia in World Cup qualification. They have rebuilt confidence through their playoff success and a couple of good results to begin their Nations League campaign.

Veteran central defender Pepe is expected to be given the night off after starting against Switzerland and Spain. Santos is likely to rotate his starting XI, with Ruben Neves, William Carvalho and Diogo Jota all potentially dropping to the bench. Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes will still start, however, while Joao Palhinha could get the nod in central midfield.

Portugal vs Czech Republic Nations League Statistics

Portugal Struggle Against Deep Defense

Portugal’s style of play has been criticized at points in the Santos era. Often favoring defense over attack, they have had issues with breaking down low blocks times. Czech Republic will set up to frustrate, giving no space in behind and dropping their central midfielders just in front of the defense.

Fernandes will not be able to find pockets of space to create from. The wide players will have their work cut out against both the wing-backs and outside centre-backs. This game could prove to be a test of Santos’ adaptability, as the home team may need to delve into the bench and alter their approach to break down the Czechs.

"Is Leao the successor to Cristiano?"

Fernando Santos 🗣: "No one is like Ronaldo in Portugal or in the world, Rafael Leao should be Rafael Leao". pic.twitter.com/cpd6PlzSCr

— The CR7 Timeline. (@TimelineCR7) June 8, 2022

He has a raft of attacking talent available, but may need to be proactive when it comes to changing shape.

Portugal vs Czech Republic Lineups and Injuries

Portugal Projected Lineup: Patricio; Cancelo, Duarte, Pereira, Guerrerio; Moutinho, Palhinha, Fernandes; Otavio, Ronaldo, Leao.

Portugal Injuries: None.

Czech Republic Projected Lineup: Vaclik; Zima, Brabec, Mateju; Coufal, Kral, Soucek, Havel; Hlozek, Kuchta, Pesek.

Czech Republic Injuries: Jankto, Zeleny.

Portugal vs Czech Republic Pick

Avoiding defeat would be a great result for the visitors. Šilhavý will look to keep it tight from the first whistle, and hope that his attacking trio can make something happen on the break.

18.245. Thank you all for your support during Sunday's #NationsLeague match against Spain.

🇨🇿🇨🇿🇨🇿 pic.twitter.com/4v5CKM11zg

— Czech Football National Team (@ceskarepre_eng) June 6, 2022

This has the makings of a low-scoring game despite Portugal’s attacking outburst against Switzerland. Czech Republic haven’t kept many clean sheets of late, but they rarely concede more than two goals.

At plus odds, there’s value backing under 2.5 goals. Portugal aren’t going to be as effective in attack as they were on Sunday. Portugal winning 1-0 or 2-0 is the most likely outcome, and don’t rule out a 1-1.

Prediction: Under 2.5 goals (+105)