The international break has returned this week after a return to domestic normality for the last few weeks. Poland and Portugal meet in the UEFA Nations League as both sides challenge for top spot in Group A3.

STATS

• Poland’s only Nations League fixture so far saw them draw 1-1 with Italy away from home after conceding a late penalty which was despatched by Jorginho. That point means they have a good chance of top spot if they can beat Portugal in their second game. They’ve won two, drawn two and lost two of their last six internationals but with just one win coming at the World Cup, they were knocked out in the group stage.
• Portugal have also only played once in the Nations League and they got off to the perfect start with a narrow 1-0 win over Italy thanks to Andre Silva’s goal. That means they have won two of their last six in all competitions with the 2-1 loss against Uruguay in the last 16 of the World Cup being the most important and most disappointing.
• Robert Lewandowski is undoubtedly Poland’s most prolific goalscorer but with no goals over the summer, he is enduring something of a goal drought on the international stage.
• With no Cristiano Ronaldo in the Portugal squad, the attention switches to Andre Silva who will be looking to make it two in two in the Nations League after a great start to the campaign.

HEAD TO HEAD

The two nations have met on 11 occasions, Portugal have won five of those while Poland have just three wins. The most recent one which came at Euro 2016 actually ended as a draw but Portugal won 5-3 on penalties on their way to winning the whole tournament. That 1-1 stalemate was one of the last three meetings that have all ended as draws after 90 minutes. Both teams have scored in three of the last four matches with just two of those seeing over 2.5 goals.

POLAND NEWS

Following his international debut last month, Serie A leading scorer Krzysztof Piątek has received another call-up but he will probably settle for a place on the bench behind Lewandowski who will get his 100^th cap if he plays. It’s a full-strength squad for Poland.

Latest matches: Poland

11.09.2018	Int.	Poland	Ireland	1:1	D
07.09.2018	UEFA	Italy	Poland	1:1	D
28.06.2018	Worl	Japan	Poland	0:1	W
24.06.2018	Worl	Poland	Colombia	0:3	L
19.06.2018	Worl	Poland	Senegal	1:2	L

PORTUGAL NEWS

The big news for the visitors is the lack of Ronaldo in the squad who has stepped back from international football for now. Goncalo Guedes isn’t involved in the squad because of a thigh injury he picked up playing for Valencia, Andre Silva will lead the line.

Latest matches: Portugal

10.09.2018	UEFA	Portugal	Italy	1:0	W
06.09.2018	Int.	Portugal	Croatia	1:1	D
30.06.2018	Worl	Uruguay	Portugal	2:1	L
25.06.2018	Worl	Iran	Portugal	1:1	D
20.06.2018	Worl	Portugal	Morocco	1:0	W

SUMMARY

Without Cristiano Ronaldo in the squad, Portugal’s task of winning won’t be made any easier but they beat Italy without him so they’ll be confident. Poland have got home advantage and a strong front line but are still seen as slight underdogs. However, if it’s the match result you’re looking to bet on, then backing the draw looks smart with each of the last three meetings ending that way.