Portugal vs Wales Prediction and Preview – 06/07/16
Euro 2016 semi-final preview – Portugal vs Wales prediction.
William Carvalho was ruled out of the Portugal side when picking up his second yellow card of the tournament against Poland on Thursday. Danilo Pereira started in the holding midfield role in the opening game and could return to the line-up after making three substitute appearances. Central defender Pepe missed training on Monday with a thigh problem but is expected to be fit while Eliseu could retain his place at left-back after an impressive quarter-final display in the absence of injured Raphael Guerreiro.
The strength in depth of the Wales squad will be tested as Chris Coleman’s side head for unchartered waters without key players in Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey and defensive stalwart Ben Collins. 22-year-old midfielder Jonathan Williams is set to feature for the first time since Wales won their qualifying game against Andorra in October. Veteran West Ham central defender James Collins is in line for his second international start since the World Cup in Brazil two years ago.
Possible Line-ups
Portugal 4-1-3-2 formation: Patricio; Soares, Pepe, Fonte, Eliseu; Pereira; Silva, Sanches, Mario; Nani, Ronaldo
Wales 3-5-1-1 formation:Hennessey; Chester, Williams, Collins; Gunter, Ledley, Williams, Allen, Taylor; Bale; Robson-Kanu
Statistics
- Portugal have won 3 drawn 5 and lost 2 of their last 10 matches
- Wales have won 5 drawn 1 and lost 4 of their last 10 matches
- Over the course of their previous 10 matches, Portugal have scored an average of 1.7 goals and conceded an average of 0.8 goals per game
- Over the course of their previous 10 matches, Wales have scored an average of 1.5 goals and conceded an average of 1.2 goals per game
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 4 of Portugal’s previous 10 matches
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 6 of Wales’ previous 10 matches
Prediction
Portugal have drawn all five games in regular time at the European Championships, going into extra time to beat Croatia 1-0 before winning the penalty shoot out against Poland in the last round. Cristiano Ronaldo came into the tournament looking to break more records and would have expected better than his 2 goal return from 38 attempts, not including a couple of air shots with just the goalkeeper to beat. With the Real Madrid star out of form, Portugal have struggled to impress in reaching the semi-finals.
Wales have been the surprise of the championship and were worthy winners when beating one of the pre-tournament favourites, Belgium, 3-1 in the quarter-final. Coleman’s side have won four out of five at Euro 2016, losing their only game to a late goal in the group match against England.
Wales have built the team around Gareth Bale but the absence of Ramsey and Ben Collins will stretch their resources to the max. The prediction is for a close affair and yet another draw for Portugal.
Tips
Draw at 21/10 with bet365
Under 2.5 goals at 11/20 with Marathonbet
Correct Score 1-1 at 11/2 with bet365
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