Portugal – Switzerland

Switzerland are capable of taking points in Portugal

Portugal take on Switzerland in the second match of the Nations League at home. The hosts can be happy with themselves after the first game. Santos's men played a decent game against Spain. It was an evenly-matched game. The Portuguese were never worse than the away team and deservedly snatched a draw. Portugal now have the prospect of fighting for first place in the group. The big problem was the condition of Cristiano Ronaldo. The team leader was unable to take to the pitch against Spain from the opening minutes. In the home encounter, the leading scorer is already set to play in the starting line-up. Having said that, Portugal have shown that even without Ronaldo, they can act quite sharply in attack. Horta scored his first goal for the national team. There are other quality players from the local league. Switzerland are off to a poor start. "The home side were favourites for their match in the Czech Republic, because their opponent fielded an experimental line-up. Switzerland had the advantage in the game, as reflected in the statistics. The visitors managed seven shots on goal, but scored only once. The opening defeat was a severe blow to the Swiss side's prospects. Iakin's charges now only have to fight for survival in the elite group. A series win against the Portuguese and Spaniards is hard to believe. Switzerland have a considerable personnel shortage - Zakaria is out. The system-building centre-back has been a staple in all of their recent key games. Now the midfield is coming out in new combinations, which affects the whole structure of the game. The bookmakers give odds of 1.70 for a Portugal win in the next match. There's no arguing that the hosts have a better chance of success, but Switzerland still have some potential. The match against the Czech Republic is not a serious indicator. "The Chechens have shown better football against the big names in recent times. Another important factor is that Yakin is the coach for counterattacking. It was in the defensive format that Switzerland stopped Italy twice in World Cup qualifying. The national team very rarely lose even by a two-goal margin. In March, for example, the Swiss were level with England on the road. They lost with a minimum score. So far, under Yakin, problems have often arisen against opponents who operate from defence. With Portugal, the scenario will be very comfortable for the visitors. Little control of the ball and quick counterattacks. Portugal are still without key central defender Dias. Defensively, there could be difficulties. Suffice it to recall how difficult Portugal's game against Turkey was. Santos' side also failed to beat Ireland in qualifying, and lost at home to Serbia. Switzerland are superior to all these opponents.