Hosts Portugal take on Switzerland in the opening Nations League semi-final on Wednesday.
The two clash in Porto’s Estadio Do Dragao for a place in the first ever Nations League final.
Portugal are firm favourites for the match, a fact that Swiss coach Vladimir Petkovic openly admits.
“Portugal are certainly favourites, not just in this game, but for the tournament as a whole. They’re at home and are European champions,” said Petkovic.
“Portugal have the pedigree but so many times we’ve shown, and football has shown, that nothing is impossible.
“Maybe now Switzerland just need that final stamp, which we can fight for and earn against the top sides, by winning a tournament like this one.”
Portugal boss Fernando Santos insisting that the Swiss pose a big threat.
“It will be a very hard match, with two teams that like to hold onto the ball, that like possession,” said Santos.
“Switzerland also like to play long balls, utilising the characteristics of players like Haris Seferovic, then there’s [Liverpool’s] Xherdan Shaqiri, who likes to hold the ball up.
“They are full of quality players. Our job is to think about ourselves and to impose our game. The Portuguese national team, playing at home, want to bring joy to their fans.”
We run through every game including predictions from former England, Crystal Palace and Tottenham midfielder Andy Gray, our own Football Insider Graeme Bailey and bet365’s Steve Freeth.
Portugal 19:45 Switzerland
Estadio Do Dragao
TEAM NEWS: Portugal come into the game without the suspended Danilo, and it remains to be seen if the brilliant Felix Joao will be handed his international debut
Switzerland don’t have any injuries and are expected to name their full strength XI
KEY FACT: Switzerland have never won a senior tournament
MATCH ODDS: Portugal 4/6 Draw 29/10 Switzerland 5/1
bet365 Pick: Under 2.5 goals @4/5
ANDY SAYS: Should be a good game but Portugal have the advantage and I think they take the win…2-1
GRAEME SAYS: Portugal will be too good and will book their place in the final…2-0
Football Index – One to follow: Felix Joao – One of the best young talents in the world, needs to be looked at
