Azerbaijan vs Portugal Predictions

Unconvincing Portuguese to scrape by in Baku

Portugal needed a late Cristiano Ronaldo show to see off Republic of Ireland last week and Fernando Santos’ side may not beat Azerbaijan as convincingly as their odds suggest when the two nations square off in Baku.

The Portuguese sit joint top of Group A with Serbia on ten points four games into the qualifying campaign, but it was another unconvincing display in the Algarve from the 2016 European champions, who of course saw their title defence end at the second round stage against Belgium this summer.

Prior to the Euro 2020 finals, Portugal had to come from behind to beat Luxembourg 3-1, while they only managed to edge out Azerbaijan 1-0 at home in March’s reverse tie.

Santos’ men didn’t show a great deal more in their 1-3 weekend friendly win over Qatar, and although they should get the job done in Baku this Tuesday, the margin of victory is likely to be slender.

In addition to Portugal’s recent results, the hosts have lost none of their last 12 outings by more than a single goal. Backing the Azeris with a three goal start on the handicap looks a safe and solid bet here, while we’re also going for a 1-2 correct score in Portugal’s favour.