Euro 2024: Portugal vs Slovenia tips and predictions – Selecao determined to avoid successive shocks
- Seb Sternik
- 28 June 2024
Portugal’s bid for their second European Championship continues on Monday when they take on Slovenia in Frankfurt (2000 BST).
After kicking off the Euros with back-to-back wins, all seemed rosy in the Portuguese camp. That didn’t last long.
Cristiano Ronaldo and co finished the group stage with a shock 2-0 defeat against Georgia – a result which sent shockwaves throughout the sporting world.
Question is, was that simply a blip or will Roberto Martinez worry about the state of his side?
Euro 2024 offer: Bet £10 pre-match, Get a £5 free bet if both teams score 1st half
Monday’s clash with Slovenia will certainly provide answers to that question as Roberto Martinez and his men target a quarter-final spot.
After making a host of changes for the Georgia clash, expect Portugal to return to their strongest team for their knockout stage opener.
With the strongest assets out on the field, Portugal beat Czech Republic with a late winner before comfortably dispatching Turkey 3-0.
Goals are not something to expect from the Slovenians. All three of their group games ended in draws, including a goalless affair with England.
Meanwhile, their three fixtures prior all ended with the 1-1 scorelines – including their first two group games at the Euros.
The two teams last met back in March in an international friendly and it was Slovenia who came away with a shock 2-0 win.
We expect Slovenia to cause Portugal more problems in Frankfurt, but ultimately, Martinez’s side should prevail.
Portugal boast a ridiculous amount of quality in their squad and, unlike England, they can utilise it.
With that in mind, we’re backing Portugal to come out on top by a margin of one goal.
Team news
Portugal rested seven players in their losing effort against Georgia and we’re expecting the majority of those players to return.
Rafael Leao is also back from his ban, meaning he could feature on Monday.
Slovenia will be missing suspended Erik Janza which means Matjaz Kek could tinker with his formation.
Key stats
- Slovenia have drawn their last four matches
- Portugal won 12 straight competitive matches before losing to Georgia
- Slovenia have drawn 1-1 in three of their last four matches
- Portugal have scored two or more goals in 10 of their last 13 internationals
Suggested bets
