Portugal v Netherlands Predictions, Betting Tips and Previews

Estadio de Dragao - UEFA Nations League Final

Portugal take on the Netherlands in the inaugural UEFA Nations League Final this weekend, with Fernando Santos' side looking to complete a European double.

Past Meetings

The Netherlands beat Portugal 3-0 in a friendly game in Switzerland in 2018, with Memphis Depay, Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Babel all scoring.

Portugal did famously beat the Dutch 2-1 in the Euro 2012 group stages, on route to a semi final finish.

Team News

Portugal have just one injury concern following their semi final win over Switzerland, with veteran defender Pepe doubtful for the final with a knee problem. If the Sporting Lisbon man misses out, 35-year old Jose Fonte could step in.

Ronald Koeman's Netherlands had to play 120 minutes against England in their semi final, but they are not expected to be missing any players through injury, with Koeman likely to name an unchanged side in the final.

Portugal v Netherlands Preview and Predictions

Portugal's last four win over the Swiss was dominated by their skipper Cristiano Ronaldo, and his three goals, as their secured a spot in this weekend's final with the Oranje. Santos' side is still developing, with exciting young talents, including Joao Felix and Bruno Fernandes, supplementing the experience of the evergreen Ronaldo in recent games.

Koeman's side were forced to go the distance against Gareth Southgate's side, but their quality told in the end, with goals from Matthijs De Ligt and Quincy Promes, either side of a Kyle Walker own goal. Their performance has laid down something of a marker for the Portuguese, who despite having home advantage in the tournament, laboured at times against Switzerland.

Even though they are slight underdogs, the Netherlands come in at 21/20 to lift the trophy, with no restrictions on doing so inside normal time. Their endurance against England showed the stamina of Koeman's side, and they will be willing to go again on Sunday, with another Dutch extra time win coming in at 12/1.

Recommended Bets

Netherlands to win 2-1 at 10/1

The Dutch side look revitalised under former Everton boss Koeman, and they are emerging as real dark horses for glory in next summer's UEFA European Championships. Portugal have impressed, but if Ronaldo can be managed by van Dijk, they may struggle to score the goals needed.

Matthijs De Ligt to score anytime at 12/1

De Ligt is the man of the moment for club and country, with sides from across Europe chasing his signature ahead of the new season, and his performance against England showed why. The centre back is a real threat from set pieces, and he has scored in back to back games for the Netherlands ahead of the weekend.