Portugal v Scotland Prediction: Take the 5/4 that the hosts score three or more

It’s Portugal vs Scotland on Sunday, September 8 (19:45) live on ITV at Benfica’s Estadio da Luz as Portugal look to make it two from two and the Scots look to recover from a 3-2 last-gasp defeat against Poland.  

Portugal-based James Pacheco came close with his 2-0 prediction ahead of the Croatia game that ended 2-1 and predicts the hots will score at least three against a side who struggles against the very best. Check out his full match preview and Portugal vs Scotland Predictions below...

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Portugal  

Cristiano Ronaldo got his 900th career goal in typical fashion, bursting into the box and finishing well from close range. You could see how much it meant to him and yet another strike for his country will temporarily silence the critics who feel he’s had his day.  

In truth, he had a decent game beyond that goal, combining his usual appetite to shoot from just about anywhere with some more team-focussed play by bringing others into the game in and around the box. If he’s going to change his style this late in the day, then fine, and let him play. But Thursday’s performance from him may be what the Portuguese call ‘sol de pouca dura’: the sun shines, but not for long. Let’s see.  

CR7 aside it was mostly all about Diogo Dalot, who made a great run into the box and finished like a seasoned striker from right-back, before turning the ball into his own net just before half-time in what was just bad luck, rather than misjudgement. Though it denied us a winner at 6/1 on the 2-0 correct score in practical terms, it’s also true that there could have easily been other goals in the game; so no hard feelings.  

Ronaldo is likely to start again with Joao Palhinha maybe coming in for Joao Neves, while yet another Joao, he of the Felix variety, might get a game as a second striker. 

Possible lineup: Costa, Dalot, Dias, Antonio Silva, Mendes, Palhinha, Vitinha, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Felix, Ronaldo.   

Scotland  

If games were won by which team shows the most heart, then Scotland would surely win many more than they do. But it’s not. It’s won by which side scores the most goals and leading up to that, which side makes the fewest mistakes at crucial times. 

Having come back from 2-0 down at home to Poland, by showing plenty of guts and desire, they commendably went in search of the winner rather than settle for a point and ultimately, it cost them.  

One Poland break and a totally unnecessary and reckless challenge from Grant Henley later and they were facing a stoppage-time penalty which, of course, Poland scored from.  

Earlier, Napoli duo Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay had scored to level the game.  Things aren’t going to get any easier for them here.  

Possible Lineup:  Gunn, Robertson, Hanley, McKenna, Ralston, McLean, Gilmour, Christie, McTominay, McGinn, Shankland 

Portugal vs Scotland Odds 

These two have played each other just twice since 2000 and both were international friendlies, Portugal winning 2-0 at home and 3-1 away.  

It’s 2/9 that Portugal win the match and it’s hard to argue with that price, with Scotland 14/1 and the draw 5/1.  

2/9 isn’t the sort of price to be backing as a single though and certainly not the sort of price I’m in the business of tipping at, so the best option is to make it your banker in a Sunday acca.  

Home Total Goals  

Portugal are 5/4 to score three or more goals. Given they could easily have scored three or four against a much better side (in Croatia) than Scotland and that Andy Robertson and co did concede three against a side considerably weaker than Portugal (in Poland) on home soil, and you can see why I’m interested.  

In fact, in recent history when Scotland have played a full-strength side of quality, they’ve struggled to keep the goals tally down. In the last 12 months, they conceded three or more against: England, France, Norway, Netherlands and Germany. Ronaldo will be licking his lips, Scotland may be left licking their wounds, and we may be left counting out profits to the tune of a well-priced 5/4 winner.  

To Score anytime  

I wouldn’t put anyone off backing Ronaldo to score anytime at 5/6. This is just the sort of match and opposition he’ll fancy when it comes to adding to his international goals record.  If you’re going to do so, just makes sure he starts and then that’s a perfectly decent bet. It’s also a considerably better one than the prohibitively short 9/4 he scores first.  

Dalot is an attractive-looking 11/1 to score again after his strike on Thursday. For the Scots, Scott McTominay (the clue is in the name) loves a goal himself and has a knack of scoring in tough matches; but I can’t be backing him at 9/2 to score anytime.

Jamie Pacheco predominantly covers Cricket and European Football for us at Betfred Insights. You can check out his Football Betting Tips, along with those from the rest of the team, at our Football hub page...