Nations League champions Portugal kick off their defence against Wales on Thursday night when the two teams meet at Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon.
Portugal got their hands on the trophy in 2025 after beating rivals Spain 5-3 on penalties after a thrilling 2-2 draw.
Spain got revenge, though, at the World Cup, when they beat Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16 before going on to lift the trophy in New York.
Former boss Roberto Martinez stepped down immediately, meaning it is now Jorge Jesus who will try to guide Portugal to a third Nations League crown.
Craig Bellamy remains in the other dugout after turning down an approach from Championship club Burnley in the summer and the Dragons will be eager to hit the ground running after failing to qualify for the World Cup.
Portugal v Wales Tips Summary
Best Bet - Portugal to win and both teams to score @ 7/4
Alternative Bet - Over 3.5 goals @ 1/1
Bet Builder - Cristiano Ronaldo to score any time, Bruno Fernandes to score or assist & Pedro Neto 1+ shots on target @ 2/1
Portugal v Wales Prediction
Best Bet: Portugal to win and both teams to score @ 7/4
As defending champions, Portugal will be determined to make a statement on Thursday and home advantage should certainly help them do that.
Jesus has vast experience at club level, but his current role is his first as a national team boss.
The former Benfica coach inherits a good squad of players, but defensively Portugal have struggled. The hosts have conceded in five of their last seven and Jesus will not have had long to try to improve his team's fortunes.
Bellamy's side have netted in their last seven matches and they may not get a better time to play Portugal, with teething issues expected under their new coach.
Over the 90 minutes, Portugal's strength in depth and superior quality should shine through.
Wales are without a win in four games, while they have won only three of their last 10.
The visitors are expected to fall short, but they have every chance of getting on the scoresheet this week.
Alternative Bet: Over 3.5 goals @ 1/1
Home advantage is a huge bonus for Jesus in his first game in charge and the wealth of attacking options he has at his disposal should help his team rack up the goals.
Portugal have scored two or more goals in nine of their last 10 home games in all competitions, and with the likes of Joao Felix, Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto and Cristiano Ronaldo in attack, they can give their fans something to cheer.
Wales have not kept a clean sheet in five consecutive games and have recorded only two in their last eight fixtures in all competitions.
Portugal v Wales Bet Builder Tip
Cristiano Ronaldo to score any time
Bruno Fernandes to score or assist
Pedro Neto 1+ shots on target
Pays 2/1
Al-Nassr striker Ronaldo is still playing at the top level internationally and he will look to continue his incredible record for Portugal.
He has 146 goals in 233 appearances and is expected to lead the line in Jesus's first game.
Ronaldo has scored three goals in six appearances in the Saudi Pro League, and as the focal point of the Portugal attack, he should get plenty of opportunities to find the back of the net.
Team-mate Fernandes should play a key role from midfield and he looks good value to contribute in the final third.
Fernandes has three goals and one assist this season for Manchester United and is capable of giving the Wales defence plenty of problems.
Chelsea's Neto has been consistent in front of goal this season, having seen four of his seven shots hit the target, so back him to try his luck against a leaky Wales defence.
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Key Match Stats
Portugal have conceded in five of their last seven matches
Wales have found the back of the net in their last seven games
Wales are winless in four matches in all competitions
Portugal have scored two or more goals in nine of their last 10 games at home in all competitions
Wales have conceded two or more goals in three of their last five away matches in all competitions
Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo has scored three goals in six appearances for Al-Nassr this season
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
