Portugal vs. Spain - World Cup 2018 Preview and Odds

Published on: 15/06/2018

Portugal vs. Spain - World Cup 2018 Preview and Odds

June 15, 2018 20:00pm - Fisht Stadium, Sochi

World Cup Russia 2018 - Group B

In the first real mouth-watering clash of the 2018 World Cup, Iberian neighbours Portugal and Spain will go head to head in Sochi on Friday night.

Portugal are the reigning European Champions and will look to go some towards emulating Spains record of three-straight international crowns achieved between 2008 and 2012.

The build-up to this game has been dominated by the sacking of Spain coach Julen Lopetegui. His clandestine discussions with Real Madrid, just weeks after penning a new deal with the Spanish FA, sparked a backlash that saw him removed with immediate effect.

The Spanish national team will now be led through the tournament by former Real Madrid player and RFEF Sporting Director Fernando Hierro.

Portugal will be hoping that the chaos has some negative effect on Spain but the truth is, the Spanish camp seem to have been galvanised by the episode. The outgoing coach was very popular with the players and they will look to do him proud when they face their old national rivals on Friday night.

Real Madrid teammates Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo are set to clash in this match. The former will look to impose himself on the Portuguese striker early on so expect some needle between those two. Ramos demonstrated against Liverpool in Kiev just how important his physical presence can be when he helped guide Los Blancos to their 13th Champions League trophy.

Portugal probable XI:

Patricio, Soares, Pepe, Fonte, Guerreiro, Moutinho, Carvalho, .B Silva, Mario, Ronaldo, A. Silva

Spain probable XI:

De Gea, Carvajal, Pique, Ramos, Alba, Busquets, Alcantara, Silva, Isco, Iniesta, Costa

Recent Form (All comps)

Portugal: WDDLW

Spain: WDWDD

Betting odds and tips

Spain may be under a new coach but they are unbeaten in 20 matches and well-prepared for this game. The incident may have even got them more fired up than ever for this game.

You can back Spain to Win to at 11/10.

By Neil Morris