UEFA Czech Republic vs. Portugal Odds: Soccer Preview

Czech Republic Missing Key Players

Portugal head to Prague to take on Czech Republic in the UEFA Nations League on Saturday. Czech Republic are missing their main main Patrik Schick up front, which is a huge loss for them. Should Portugal win their next two matches, they’ll advance to the semifinals of the Nations League. It remains to be seen whether this star studded Portugal squad can pull it off. First, let’s review the UEFA Czech Republic vs. Portugal odds and preview the match.

UEFA Nations League – Czech Republic vs. Portugal Game Info:

• Location: Fortuna Arena, Prague, Czech Republic
• Date & Time: Saturday, September 24, 2:45 P.M. EST
• TV: FS2

Head-to-Head

All-time, Portugal have a 3-1 record vs. the Czech Republic. In June, Joao Cancelo and Goncalo Guedes scored first half goals as Portugal won the reverse fixture, 2-0. Portugal have won each of the last three meetings, but they’ve only played each other once in the last ten years. After Portugal’s shutout win in June, the UEFA Czech Republic vs. Portugal odds favor a shutout by either side. A bet on “No” on both teams to score shows -125 odds.

Where Will Czech Republic’s Goals Come From?

• UEFA Nations League Standings: 1-2-1, 3rd Place (Group 2)

Defense has been an issue for the Czech Republic lately. They’ve conceded in each of their four matches to open up their campaign. As a result, they’re in third place in their group in the UEFA Nation League standings. Their most experienced defenders, Jakub Brabec and Vladimir Coufal, only have 30 caps each. So, there will likely still be some growing pains as Jaroslav Silhavy tries to find his best combination.

Losing Patrik Schick is a big issue for the Czech Republic and hurts their chances to stay in the UEFA Nations League A. He was also out of the squad in June as the Czech Republic won just one of their four matches. They’ve been shut out in their last two games. Plus, their available forwards have a grand total of three international goals. It doesn’t exactly inspire confidence but there will be opportunities for Jan Kuchta and Adam Hlozek to shine.

Antonin Barak is also out, which hurts their creativity. So, without a proven goalscorer and creator, the Czech Republic will have to improvise over the next two matches. Portugal at home and Switzerland away aren’t exactly easy fixtures, so these will be big tests.

Win or Bust for Portugal

• UEFA Nations League Standings: 2-1-1, 2nd Place (Group 2)

Fernando Santos has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal. One of the most exciting young Portuguese talents is Rafael Leao, the AC Milan winger. Leao recently scored a double in the Derby della Madonnina vs. Inter and helped the Rossoneri win the title last season. Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, Diogo Jota and Leao are all excellent options to have across the front line. Portugal still rely on Ronaldo heavily, as their loss vs. Switzerland occurred when he was out.

Santos can also call on Pepe in defense, who is approaching 40 years old. The Manchester City duo of Joao Cancelo and Ruben Dias are among the best defenders in the Premier League as well. With the likes of Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes, Portugal aren’t short on creativity either.

With one of the most complete teams in international soccer, expectations are high in the UEFA Nations League for Portugal. They won the inaugural edition of the Nations League and just missed out on the semifinals in 2021. It’d be a disappointment if they didn’t win this game to add significance to their upcoming match vs. rivals Spain.

Odds & Preview

Czech Republic’s current squad has a total of 26 goals between them. Cristiano Ronaldo has scored a ridiculous 117 goals for Portugal in his record-breaking career. The UEFA Nations League Portugal odds price his Portugal as -125 favorites heading into Saturday. In four previous meetings, Portugal have outscored Czech Republic by a combined 6-2.

Interestingly, Czech Republic are priced at -160 odds to score a goal despite their offensive absences. That could have something to do with the fact that they haven’t been shut out at home since October 2016. The odds are still giving them a shot to win, at +385, and they’re unbeaten at home in the Nations League so far. Portugal’s road form hasn’t been great as they’re winless in their last three.

Concluding our UEFA Czech Republic vs. Portugal Odds preview: A draw, which has never occurred in this fixture, shows +250 odds. Bettors are also gravitating towards under 2½, which sits at -125 odds. With seven goals through four matches, Portugal have scored the most goals in Group 2. They figure to get a lot of opportunities in a match where they should dominate possession. Still, Portugal under 1½  goals sits at -125 odds.