Comments and predictions for Portugal vs Scotland: 'Old Ro' is possessed

Latest Portugal vs Scotland team information

This weekend's clash between Portugal and Scotland promises to be an intriguing encounter with many tactical factors to consider.

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez, known for his unpredictable coaching style, showed tactical flexibility by switching from a back four to a back three midway through the game against Croatia. This opens up the possibility that Martinez could continue to change tactics based on the game situation, and both formations could be used in the upcoming match.

Competition in Portugal’s squad is undeniable. With Pedro Goncalves and Francisco Trincao returning, both are capable of making a difference and supporting captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who is expected to continue to be the mainstay in attack. Rafael Leao and Pedro Neto will not be overlooked either, creating strong competition for attacking positions. Nelson Semedo and Joao Neves’ possible inclusion in the starting line-up would not only enrich Martinez’s options but also create some surprises for Scotland.

For Scotland, despite the absence of captain Callum McGregor due to retirement and striker Che Adams due to injury, manager Steve Clarke still has key players to call upon. Ryan Gauld and Ben Doak made their debuts in the last game and are likely to be in the starting line-up again. Che Adams’ absence could see Lawrence Shankland or Lyndon Dykes take up the role of main striker. The threat from behind will come from Scott McTominay, who showed his scoring ability by taking his international tally to 10 against Poland.

This game will not only be a chance for Portugal and Scotland to pick up vital points in the group but will also be a real test of the tactics and versatility of both managers. Portugal will need to stay sharp and make the most of their attacking opportunities, while Scotland will need to work hard to protect their defence and make the most of the chances they create.

Latest expected lineup for Portugal vs Scotland

Portugal:

Costa; Dalot, Dias, A. Silva, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha; B. Silva, Fernandes, Leao; Ronaldo

Scotland:

Gunn; Ralston, Hanley, McKenna, Robertson; McClean, Gilmour; McGinn, McTominay, Christie; Dykes

Latest football commentary Portugal vs Scotland

Portugal got off to a strong start in the Nations League on Thursday night with a 2-1 win over Croatia, thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo’s memorable 900th career goal. The match saw Diogo Dalot open the scoring after a pass from Bruno Fernandes, before Ronaldo made it 2-0. Although Dalot later scored an own goal, Portugal maintained their advantage and secured an important win.

After being eliminated in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, Portugal have shown a strong comeback under coach Roberto Martinez. Martinez, who previously managed Belgium, is now aiming to lead Portugal to success in the Nations League, a tournament they won in 2019. Martinez is hoping to take full points from their two home games this campaign, and a second-place finish in Group 1 would be enough to see them through to the quarter-finals under UEFA's new expanded format.

Up next for Portugal is Scotland, who have never won their previous meetings with the Portuguese, and history is not on their side at the Estadio da Luz. While Steve Clarke’s reign has seen Scotland recover significantly, a 3-2 loss to Poland at Hampden Park and a poor run of results in 2024 have put Clarke under immense pressure. Scotland have conceded 17 goals in eight games this year and have only won one of their 13 games in 2024, making facing a team as strong as Portugal extremely difficult.

Led by Ronaldo, who is desperate to add to his 1,000 goals, and backed by a quality squad, Portugal can create problems for Scotland. Scotland, meanwhile, will have to work hard to improve their defence and pick up valuable points, or they could face further difficulties in this group. Third or fourth place could mean relegation, making this weekend's game extremely important for Scotland.

Portugal vs Scotland score prediction

Based on the above football comments, we and the world's leading football sites have given the results of the match.Portugal vs Scotlandas follows:

• Sportsmole:Portugal 2-0 Scotland

• WhoScore:Portugal 1-0 Scotland
• Our newspaper predicts:Portugal 1-0 Scotland

When and where to watch Portugal vs Scotland live?

To watch live the Portugal vs Scotland match in the Nations League taking place at 1:45 a.m. on September 9, viewers can watch on TV360here, Mytv systemhereor on online sports channels. Wish you have fun watching football.