Looking for Spain vs Portugal betting prediction? If you are, you came to the right place. We here at Knup Sports have prepared an in-depth preview of this match. Stay tuned and don’t place any bets before reading this piece!
We will receive another star-studded friendly when Spain and Portugal collide to tune-up for Euro 2020.
Spain: Tale of the Tape
Projected XI: Sanchez; M Llorente, Garcia, P Torres, Alba; Koke, Busquets, Pedri; F Torres, Moreno, Oyarzabal
Form: D-D-W-D-W-W
Spain will look different this summer, as the golden age continues to fade out. Of all the glaring absences, Sergio Ramos’ is the most. The longtime captain was omitted from the UEFA 2020 squad after dealing with injuries all season. Aymeric Laporte is set to make his debut and replace Ramos, alongside Leeds center back Diego Llorente. La Liga rivals Jordi Alba and Marcos Llorente will join them on the flanks.
The midfield combo of Sergio Busquets and Koke bring leadership to the starting XI. These two will be integral to Span’s success this summer, as both are loaded with experience and two-way ability. The attacking line is uncertain, but talented and up for grabs this summer. Villareal striker Gerald Moreno will lead up front. There’s a new F. Torres in play for Spain, as Man City forward Ferran Torres could take a huge step this summer. No Marco Acsenio this summer, but Alvaro Morata should start at some point.
Portugal: Tale of the Tape
Projected XI: Lopes; Cancelo, Pepe, Fonte, Mendes; Danilo, Fernandes, Moutinho; Jota, Ronaldo, Felix
Form: W-L-W-W-D-W
The defending Euro champions come into the summer as favorites, even though they lie within the group of death, where A Selecao will be joined by France and Germany. Before the group stage, they will have to deal with another power in Spain.
Portugal hones one of the more experienced teams in the tournament, led by 5x Ballon D’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, La Liga winner Joao Felix and Wolves midfielder Joao Moutinho, who’s been a mainstay in the national team for almost 15 years. Moutinho is set to make his 131st cap, which is second all-time behind Ronaldo. PSG’s Danilo Periera returns for his 41st cap after scoring in the WC Qualifying match against Serbia. With these two holding in the midfield, it will allow Man U stud Bruno Fernandes to slide into a central attacking role. Fernandes had an impressive season at United, netting 18 goals and this tournament could be his coming out party.
Bruno Alves’ absence may be felt, but Pepe’s return is huge. Porto’s captain enjoyed another solid campaign, and he’s set to make his 113th cap. Former Barcelona man Nelson Semedo looks set to take on a bigger role, while Lille captain Jose Fonte returns from the trophy winning Euro 2016 team, bringing even more experience. Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes is set to make his 14th appearance.
Spain vs Portugal – Players to Watch
Cristiano Ronaldo
The star of the show. After Juventus’ Champions League mishap, look for Portugal’s captain to start the summer on a high note. After winning Euro 2016 and the Nations League in 2019, Ronaldo’s resume is only growing.
Sergio Busquets
The last outlaw. Sergio Busquets is the final mainstay from an unforgettable era of Spanish football. Outside of Ronaldo, he’s the most accomplished on the pitch, and the Spaniards will lean heavily on his experience. His play in Euros will be huge, so this tune up will be key for the veteran Barcelona midfielder.
Spain vs Portugal Prediction & Pick
This international friendly gives off a big match feel, and the underdogs look really enticing. This isn’t the Spain of old, and believe it or not, Portugal has been more of a powerhouse over international play then their neighbors. Fernando Santos’ side enters as a unit, a team that’s grown to thrive in this position over the years. The Euro 2016 win in France was a huge statement, and they will look to start their summer with another one. Spain’s inexperience may factor, but Portugal feels really strong here. Bet on Portugal to win, both teams should score, and over 2.5 goals.
Prediction: Portugal 2 Spain 1
