• Competition: UEFA Nations League - Group A1
• Date: Sunday, 8th, September 2024
• Kickoff: 19:45 UK / 20.45 CEST
• Venue: Estadio da Luz (Lisbon)

Motivated Portugal will aim to cap off their September schedule on a high note as they welcome out-of-form Scotland to the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon on Sunday evening.

The Portuguese could not have kicked off their new UEFA Nations League campaign in a better way, as they polished off a 2-1 victory against the stubborn Croatia on the first day of Group A1, with the highlight of the match being national icon Cristiano Ronaldo reaching his 900th career goal. As the 39-year-old CR7 shows no signs of retiring or hanging up his boots, Os Navegadores will look to build on their opening success and make a strong statement in their quest for a second UNL title, having become the first winners of UEFA’s youngest international tournament five years ago.

After spending two consecutive editions of this tournament in League B, the Scottish national team managed to seal their promotion to the top division of the UEFA Nations League for the first time as group winners in 2022. Unfortunately, Steve Clarke’s team will not remember their first League A appearance fondly as, despite coming back from a two-goal deficit at halftime to equalize, they suffered a last-gasp 2-3 defeat to Poland in the middle of Glasgow.

Portugal vs Scotland Betting Tips: OVER 2.5

Naturally, the Portuguese stand as clear favorites to make it two wins from two in the UEFA Nations League, and we remain firmly convinced they will march to a convincing victory against a battling Scotland in what promises to be a high-scoring affair. Robert Martinez’s men have been unstoppable at home, having won 12 of their last 13 matches of any format on their own turf, so their strong home form promises a brilliant finish to their September fixtures. 

What’s even more remarkable is that Cristiano Ronaldo and co. have scored an astonishing 51 goals in their 13 home matches - averaging almost four goals per game - and they appear ready to make life difficult for their upcoming opponents once again with their brilliant attacking prowess. Facing off against the attacking-minded Portuguese comes at the worst possible time for Scotland, which has endured a very rough patch over the last 12 months, as their 2-0 victory over Gibraltar in early June remains their only win in the last 13 matches across all competitions, including friendlies. 

On top of that, the Tartan Army has been abysmal away lately, recording only one draw and enduring four losses in their last five away fixtures, and a comeback to winning form appears to be a distant dream as Portugal has handed them defeat in each of their five meetings in Lisbon. In the end, we believe that CR7 and co will establish their attacking rhythm from the start and inflict significant damage on the Scottish side, which has been porous at the back during their away games, conceding four or more goals in three of their last four matches.