Portugal vs Slovenia predictions: A Selecao to ease into quarter-finals
- Portugal have lost just three of their last 18 matches in all competitions
- All three of Slovenia's group-stage matches featured under 2.5 goals
- Recommended bet: Portugal to win 2-0
Portugal and Slovenia have met just one, with the Slovenes running out surprise 2-0 winners in their international friendly in March. However, this is serious business and the Portuguese are expected to show a different side on Monday.
Roberto Maerinez's men are among the favourites to win Euro 2024, and although they have landed in the tougher side of the draw, they look a decent bet to book their place in the last eight in Germany.
Portugal are warm 1/3 favourites with LiveScore Bet to see of Slovenia, who are 8/1 shots to produce a shock in Frankfurt on Monday evening.
Team news
Pepe, Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha and Joao Cancelo are all likely to be recalled for Portugal having been rested for the defeat against Georgia.
Rafael Leao is available after a suspension.
Slovenia boss Matjaz Kek has no injury concerns but left-back Erik Janza is suspended so will need to be replaced.
The stats
Slovenia are winless in six appearances at the European Championship, but have lost only one.
Slovenia won 2-0 in the only meeting between these two teams in March.
Portugal have lost just three of their last 18 matches in all competitions.
Slovenia are unbeaten in nine matches, drawing their last four.
All three of Slovenia's group-stage matches featured under 2.5 goals.
Prediction
Portugal lost their only meeting with Slovenia 2-0 in March but that was only a friendly international on that occasion and they should be able to take care of business in this rematch.
A Selecao opened their Euro 2024 campaign with two victories and their disappointing final group-stage defeat to Georgia came about only after qualification to the knockout stage was secure.
Robert Martinez heavily rotated his side for that contest but a return to his full-strength line-up should ensure no more slip-ups occur for the 2016 European champions.
They have landed in the tougher side of the draw so will have to do things the hard way if they are to repeat their former glory, but their star-studded squad should be too strong for a Slovenia side who progressed courtesy of three group-stage draws.
Slovenia will set up to frustrate but they are only likely to hold out for so long while their inability to create many chances may also count against them.
The Slovenes have managed just seven shots on target across their three matches and star striker Benjamin Sesko has been starved of goalscoring opportunities.
Portugal's attack will have no such concerns and a comfortable 2-0 win looks the best bet.
Slovenia are averaging just 2.3 shots on target per game, the same rate at which Portugal are giving up shots on target, but should the Portuguese edge in front, it is hard to see them being pegged back.
There may come a time when the Dragons have to chase a goal and that could open things up for Portugal to grab a second.
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