Portugal vs Switzerland Betting Tips: A-Team to push Portugal all the way

Rob Eddy

Dec 5

A close battle is expected at the Lusail Stadium on Tuesday evening as Portugal face Switzerland for a place in the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Qatar.

Both teams won two of their group-stage matches to progress, and recent performances suggest we could be in for a real treat as the final last-16 contest takes place on Tuesday evening.

Portugal vs Switzerland Betting Tips

Draw @ 12/5
Portugal to win in extra-time @ 9/1

With Portugal finishing top of Group H in Qatar, it comes as no surprise to see them installed as the favourites for Tuesday's tie, priced at 10/11 while the draw is 12/5.

Switzerland, who had lost three games on the bounce to Portugal before winning the most recent meeting, are 7/2 to win and advance into the quarter-finals.

Team news

With qualification already secured before their final group game against South Korea, boss Fernando Santos made six changes to his starting XI.

Antonio Silva started at the heart of defence for what turned out to be a 2-1 defeat, but he is expected to make way for Manchester City's Ruben Dias.

Left-back Nuno Mendes was ruled out of the rest of the tournament last week due to injury, while fellow full-back Danilo is still sidelined after fracturing his ribs and midfielder Otavio remains a doubt.

Switzerland boss Murat Yakin has selection issues of his own.

Goalkeeper Yann Sommer and defender Nico Elvedi missed their final Group G game against Serbia due to illness, but if they can prove their fitness, they will return in place of Borussia Dortmund's Gregor Kobel and Newcastle's Fabian Schar respectively.

Yakin's side should otherwise remain unchanged, although Christian Fassnacht and Renato Steffen are hoping to get the nod out wide.

Latest Portugal vs Switzerland Betfred Odds

Draw @ 12/5

This looks to be going against the grain here, with none of Portugal's last nine matches having ended in a draw.

However, while Santos' men did manage to record two victories in Group H, they were far from convincing. Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea all created numerous chances against Portugal, and that offers plenty of encouragement for Switzerland.

Yakin's side have proven to be very tough to beat as well over the last few months, and only three of their last six defeats have been by more than a single goal.

Switzerland have enough quality to pose Portugal some problems, and these two could cancel each other out until extra time.

Portugal to win in extra-time @ 9/1

While Switzerland re expected to frustrate their opponents on Tuesday, there are concerns regarding their strength in depth.

While Santos can turn to his bench for further quality and something different, Yakin's best options appear to be all in his starting XI.

The likes of Andre Silva, Joao Palhinha, Rafael Leao, Bernando Silva, William Carvalho, Joao Felix and Bruno Fernandes did not start against South Korea, and having that array of talent available is what should ultimately make the difference on Tuesday night.

Even if Switzerland send the game into extra time, Portugal have enough quality to get the job done at some point as their squad is full of world-class experience.

World Cup Betting Odds

*All prices correct at the time of writing.