Portugal will kick off their 2024-25 UEFA Nations League campaign on Thursday, September 5, against a formidable Croatia side at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon.

This clash sees two of the tournament's most competitive teams, with Portugal having won the inaugural edition in 2019 and Croatia finishing as runners-up in 2023. 

Both teams will be eager to start their campaigns with a win, especially after disappointing Euro 2024 outings. Portugal will look to capitalize on home advantage, while Croatia aims to prove they can compete with Europe's best despite recent struggles.

Portugal Seeks Redemption | Home Win = 1.58

Portugal comes into this match after a mixed Euro 2024 campaign, where they exited in the quarter-finals after a penalty shootout loss to France. Despite their talent-rich squad, consistency has been an issue for Roberto Martinez’s side, highlighted by their shock 2-0 defeat to Georgia in their final group game of the competition.

Martinez, who has called up Cristiano Ronaldo yet again, will be keen to see his team return to winning ways. The Portuguese squad has undergone some changes, with the introduction of young talents like Geovany Quenda, Renato Veiga, and Tiago Santos.

These fresh faces will be eager to make their mark, alongside veterans like Ronaldo, who continues to be a key figure in the team. Portugal’s home record and the attacking prowess of players like Ronaldo, Leao, and Bernado, will be crucial in breaking down a resilient Croatian defense.

Croatia Aims to Bounce Back | Away Win = 6.14

Croatia, on the other hand, also suffered disappointment at Euro 2024, failing to advance past the group stage. Zlatko Dalic’s men managed only two points from their three games, a far cry from their recent success, including a third-place finish at the 2022 World Cup and a runner-up spot in the 2023 Nations League.

Despite this, Croatia remains a formidable side, with experienced players like Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic still at the helm. The Croatians will be without key players Marcelo Brozovic and Domagoj Vida, both of whom have retired from international duty, leaving gaps in their squad.

Injuries to Lovro Majer and Josip Stanisic further complicates Dalic's plans, but the team’s resilience and tactical discipline should not be underestimated. Croatia will look to their experienced core to guide them through a challenging away fixture.

Key Players & Team News:

For Portugal, the focus will be on Cristiano Ronaldo, who is in search of his 131st international goal. The team will also rely on the midfield creativity of Bruno Fernandes and the defensive solidity provided by Ruben Dias and Joao Cancelo. The inclusion of young players like Quenda and Santos adds a dynamic element to the squad.

Croatia, though short-handed, still boasts a wealth of experience. Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic, and Mateo Kovacic are expected to lead the charge, while younger talents like Petar Sucic may be called upon to fill the gaps left by injuries.

Match Stats & Betting Odds | Draw = 4.28

Portugal and Croatia have a history of closely contested matches, with only one of their last six encounters being decided by more than a single goal. | Specials Market: Home/Away & Over 2.5 = 1.97

In their most recent Nations League meetings, Portugal secured a 3-2 and 4-1 victory, but Croatia avenged this loss with a 2-1 win in a friendly before Euro 2024, meaning there have been over 2.5 goals in their last three (3) meetings. | Main Market: Over 2.5 = 1.86

Both teams have scored in all the last four encounters between Portugal and Croatia in all competitions (2-1, 2-3, 4-1, 1-1). | Main Market: GG/NG (Yes) = 1.96

 

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Manchester United will host Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday, September 1, in what promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of England’s biggest and most successful clubs.

New Liverpool manager Arne Slot faces his biggest test yet after a dream start to life in the dugout for the away side with two out of two wins, while Erik ten Hag will be looking to reassert United's dominance after a shaky start.

Manchester United Looking to Bounce Back | Home Win = 3.87

Manchester United kicked off their season with a narrow 1-0 victory over Fulham, thanks to a late winner from new signing Joshua Zirkzee. However, their momentum was halted by a last-minute 2-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend, exposing some defensive frailties.

United will be keen to bounce back and regain confidence at Old Trafford, where they have lost just one of their last seven home league games. Ten Hag’s men have struggled for consistency in recent times, making their form unpredictable.

The Dutch manager faces a selection headache with some injuries and a host of new players who have not gotten into rhythm. The pressure will be on United to deliver against their fierce rivals, as another loss could see them fall behind early in the race for the top four.

Liverpool & Arne Slot Hoping Honeymoon Continues | Away Win = 1.91

Liverpool have enjoyed a strong start under Arne Slot, winning their first two Premier League matches against Ipswich Town and Brentford with identical 2-0 score lines in what feels like a honeymoon phase between the two parties.

The Reds have shown defensive solidity and attacking flair, with Slot becoming the first Liverpool manager in the Premier League era to win his first two top-flight matches. Liverpool’s consistency from the end of last season has carried over, as they have now lost only three of their last 33 league games.

Sunday’s match will be Slot’s toughest challenge so far, but the Merseysiders will be confident, given their recent record against United. Liverpool have lost just one of their last 12 Premier League meetings with the Red Devils and have scored 23 goals in the past seven league encounters.

Key Players & Team News:

Manchester United will have to cope without several first-team players due to injuries. Leny Yoro, Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, Rasmus Hojlund, Tyrell Malacia, and Victor Lindelof are all sidelined, limiting Ten Hag's options.

In contrast, Liverpool have no new injury concerns, although Curtis Jones remains a doubt for the trip to Manchester.

For United, much will depend on the performances of skipper Bruno Fernandes and young stars Garnacho and Armad Diallo, who will be tasked with breaking down a resilient Liverpool defense.

Liverpool’s attacking threat will be spearheaded by Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, and Luiz Diaz, while new signing Federico Chiesa may also play a crucial role.

Match Stats & Betting Odds | Draw = 4.37

Manchester United lead the all-time head-to-head record against Liverpool with 91 wins compared to Liverpool's 81, along with 70 draws in their 242 meetings. | Specials Market: Home/Draw & Over 1.5 = 2.17

However, Liverpool have been dominant in this fixture over the last few seasons, losing just twice (2) in their last eight meetings against United in all competitions, and just thrice (3) in their last 14. | Specials Market: Away & Over 1.5 = 1.96

Liverpool have scored 23 goals in their last seven league meetings with United while there have been three (3) over 3.5 goals in the last five Man United vs Liverpool fixtures (2-2, 4-3, 7-0) with one (1) over 2.5 (0-3) | Main Market: Over 3.5 goals = 2.12

With both teams having something to prove, Sunday’s match is set to be a classic. Liverpool’s strong start and United’s need to respond make this a must-watch encounter. The outcome could provide early indications of where both teams stand in the Premier League pecking order this season.

You can follow and bet on the EPL game, Man United vs Liverpool, on MSport here.

Chelsea travel to Switzerland to face Servette in the second leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League playoff tie on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at the Stade de Genève. 

Holding a two-goal lead from the first leg, the Blues are in a strong position to secure their place in the group stage of the competition. Servette, meanwhile, will be looking to overcome the deficit on home soil and cause an upset.

Servette Hope for a Comeback | Home Win = 4.63

Despite a spirited performance in the first leg, Servette fell to a 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge. The Swiss side created numerous opportunities, outshooting Chelsea 22-14, but failed to convert their chances. With their home crowd behind them, Servette will need to be more clinical if they are to overturn the two-goal deficit.

Head coach Thomas Haberli has insisted that his team won't give up, although he admitted that overcoming Chelsea's quality will be a significant challenge. The Maroons have struggled recently, winless in all their last five (5) games including that 2-0 loss to Chelsea.

Despite these setbacks, Servette did not play a game this past weekend and that rest over the past week could work in their favour, providing them with the energy needed to mount a comeback.

Chelsea Look to Secure Group Stage Spot | Away Win = 1.72

Chelsea head into this match with a comfortable 2-0 lead, thanks to second-half goals from Christopher Nkunku and Noni Madueke in the first leg. Enzo Maresca's side is coming off a commanding 6-2 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League, highlighting their attacking prowess.

The Blues have won their last three away games and will look to extend this run in Switzerland. Maresca is expected to rotate his squad, giving opportunities to players like Joao Felix, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Filip Jorgensen.

With several players rested from the weekend's Premier League action, Chelsea’s depth should give them the edge to manage the game effectively and secure their spot in the group stage of the Conference League.

Key Players & Team News:

Players like Enzo Crivelli and Dereck Kutesa, who have five goals in nine games this season for the Swiss side in all competitions, will be crucial in the attack as they try to complete what would be a “legendary comeback”.

Servette will likely stick with the 4-2-3-1 formation used in the first leg, with Enzo Crivelli or Jeremy Guillemenot leading the line. Victory Beniangba remains out due to injury, limiting Haberli's options up front.

Theo Magnin and Alexis Antunes are pushing for starts, as Servette looks for the right combination to break down Chelsea’s defence. Chelsea are set to be without captain Reece James due to a hamstring injury. Wesley Fofana, Ben Chilwell, and Raheem Sterling have also been left out of the Conference League squad.

Midfield options may be impacted, with Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo carrying injuries. Christopher Nkunku and Noni Madueke, who were instrumental in the first-leg victory, are expected to feature again, providing the creative spark.

Match Stats & Betting Odds | Draw = 4.28

Servette has conceded a combined eleven (11) goals in four (4) of their last five (5) games in all competitions (2-0, 1-7, 1-2, 0-6). | Main Market: Handicap (1:0 Away) = 2.65

Chelsea have won all their last two games with an aggregate score of 8-2, which includes a 2-0 win over their opponents last Thursday. | Specials Market: Away & Over 2.5 Goals = 2.10

Servette netted in only two (2) of their last five (5) games in all competitions while Chelsea have scored in four (4) of their last five (5) games in all competitions. | Specials Market: Away & Under 3.5 Goals = 2.90

Follow and bet on the UEFA Europa Conference League game, Servette vs. Chelsea, on MSport here.