Portugal will host Spain at the Estadio Municipal de Braga on Tuesday at 19:45 GMT for matchday 6 of the Nations League campaign. With a solitary point separating the two sides at the top of Group B, both Spain and Portugal will be looking for the three points they need to take charge of the group.
Match Preview
Can Portugal Take Charge of Group B with a Win over Spain?
After collecting seven points from the available twelve, Fernando Santos’ men will be looking to step up their form by performing well against Spain.
Fernando Santos will focus on his team’s attacking play to enhance their goal-scoring. This will be crucial against a free-scoring Spanish side that are likely to pose an attacking threat as well.
Portugal will especially seek to enhance the connection between their midfield and attacking players. This will help midfielders to spot runs and runners in the attacking third and thus bolster the chances created in the match.
Can Spain Fortify their Position at the Top of the Group by Winning on Tuesday?
Luis Enrique will be looking to bolster his side’s position at the top of the group on Tuesday when they travel to face Portugal. He will do this with one eye on the forthcoming World Cup Group E where they will face Japan, Germany, and Costa Rica.
Spain will work on the speed of their build-up play; this is because they are expected to dominate possession. The focus will be on synching their play to speed up their passing and enhance their ability to create chances and score goals.
However, they will need to find the defense-attack balance right against an equally accomplished Portugal side on Tuesday.
Form Guide
Portugal
Portugal have won two times, drawn once, and lost once in their opening four Nations League matches. This means that they have collected 7 points and dropped five in the process; they are currently second on the table and a point behind group leaders Spain.
Their opening match in the Nations League campaign came away to Spain, which ended in a 1-1 stalemate. Portugal subsequently beat Switzerland 4-0 on matchday 2 before triumphing over Czech Republic 2-0.
Fernando Santos’ men lost matchday 4 away to Switzerland (1-0), which halted their unbeaten start to the campaign.
Spain
Luis Enrique’s side top Group B with eight points from their opening four fixtures. Spain are unbeaten in the Nations League so far after opening with two draws and are currently on a two-match winning run.
Their first two outings were draws against Portugal (1-1) and away to the Czech Republic (2-2). Luis Enrique bolstered his side’s form in subsequent matches.
On matchday 3, La Roja won 1-0 away to Switzerland before emerging 2-0 winners at home to the Czech Republic.
Luis Enrique will be looking to leverage his side’s current form to get a win when they face Portugal on Tuesday.
Possible Starting Lineups
Portugal
Patricio; N. Mendes, D. Pereira, Pepe, J. Cancelo; B. Fernandes, R. Neves, Vitinha; R. Leao, A. Silva, Otavio
Spain
Simon; J. Alba, P. Torres, Diego Llorente, C. Azpilicueta; Gavi, S. Busquets, M. Llorente; P. Sarabia, A. Morata, F. Torres
Players to Watch
R. Leao
The 23-year-old has started his season with AC Milan well; he has scored three goals in six appearances for the Italian champions. Leao has also been involved in several goals and chances for Milan this season.
His pace, dribbling, passing, and link-up play are crucial tools that Portugal can use to devastate opponents.
Leao can also cut inside from wide areas to be involved in creating and scoring goals. The winger will be integral to Portugal’s chances of beating Spain on Tuesday.
A. Morata
The Atletico Madrid striker will lead the line for La Roja when they face Portugal on Tuesday. The 29-year-old striker has the experience and ability to be an attacking danger and cause the Portuguese defense a lot of trouble.
His pace, movement, aerial prowess, and runs are crucial in putting the finishing touches to the intricate play that characterizes the Spanish national team under Luis Enrique.
Prediction
Portugal will look to dominate the match by pressing Spain across the pitch and looking to win back possession immediately after they lose.
Spain will implement their patient possession-based and passing-drive domination of the ball. They will also press hard every time they lose the ball.
Playing at home, Portugal have the edge of winning this match and taking the three points.