Portugal v Lichtenstein – Betting Preview

Portugal

This is the first game for New Portugal manager Roberto Martinez and naturally, it is a must-win match at home to Liechtenstein.

Martinez has a wealth of quality players at his disposal and is expected to play in an attacking manner, incorporating Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo into the team.

Diogo Jota will also be pushing for a starting role in a 4-3-3 formation. The Liverpool man returns to the squad after missing the World Cup finals through a long-term injury. He is expected to begin on the subs bench.

Bruno Fernandes is in sensational form for his club side, and will hope to continue this for his country.

Portugal will want to win Group J and fully expect to win this game comfortably.

In their last meeting in a competitive match, Portugal only defeated Liechtenstein 2-1, and so Martinez will try to ensure the team is not overly complacent as he will demand a statement big win.

Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein will be seen as cannon fodder in this group but they will want to make the game as competitive as possible.

However, the players will be very committed to playing their best and frustrate the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leao, and Joao Felix.

They have never qualified for the finals of a major tournament but are making gradual progress as a footballing nation. The minnow’s biggest-ever loss was by a fairly modest nation in Macedonia, where they went down 11-1 at home.

Betting Analysis

Looking at the 1×2 market first. Portugal could not be any lower odds @ 1.01. Lichtenstein is @ 126.0 while the draw is @ 58.0.

Moving onto the Asian handicap betting for this contest. Portugal should be extra motivated and determined with this being a new manager in charge. They give away a -5.25 start @ 1.91.

The last time these played each other it was just 2-1, but the probable size of margin will be much bigger here. Lichtenstein +5.25 is @ 1.88.

Looking at The Under/Over goal betting last of all. The line is set at 5.75. In a contest such as this, the handicap market feels the same as the Goals market if punters want to be with the jolly, in this case, Portugal.

The Over is @ 1.84 and the Under is @ 1.90.  I have no desire to be involved in this game from a betting perspective but would opt for Portugal -5.25 over the total goal line if I was getting involved. This is because 5-0 would only be a half loss and 6-0 is a full win.