Brazil-Portugal Betting Preview

While this game may be an attractive one on paper, Phil Kitromilides believes that there won't be many goals when the two sides meet at the Gillette Stadium

An international friendly with more than a touch of historical rivalry takes place in the USA in the early hours of Wednesday morning as Brazil face Portugal. 

In typically unpredictable Brazilian fashion, the Confederations Cup champions managed to succumb to a 1-0 defeat to Switzerland in the first match after their triumph in this summer's tournament. 

They did however get back to winning ways at the weekend with a 6-0 thrashing of Australia and Betway price them at just 11/20 (1.55) to claim another victory in this match. 

Portugal for their part earned a much needed World Cup qualifying win over Northern Ireland on Friday and are offered at 9/2 (5.50) and while that may seem a generous offering there is a reason behind being able to back the Iberian side at such a sizeable price, namely the absence of their best player.

While on paper this could be an attractive encounter, in reality it is unlikely to be high scoring. The fact that Portugal will be without Cristiano Ronaldo will considerably affect the potency of Portugal's front line. 

The side's recent games against quality teams (Croatia, Holland, Russia) have all gone under 2.5 goals and a repeat at 17/20 (1.85) looks tempting. This price is made more attractive by Portugal's recent reliance on Ronaldo's scoring exploits in these closely fought matches. 

Of the seven goals that Paulo Bento's men have scored in their last four matches, the Real Madrid man was responsible for five of them, with the other two coming from Bruno Alves and Helder Postiga, who was sent off on Friday evening.

Brazil meanwhile have injury doubts of their own with Dani Alves, Hulk and Marcelo all set to miss out. Beting a friendly match on foreign soil, this is unlikely to be a high tempo game irrespective of any rivalry and backing under 2.5 goals, which has paid out in two of the last three meetings at 17/20 (1.85) with Betway looks a solid bet.