Bet Builder Tips: Torres can bag this 29/1 punt for Spain v Portugal on Thursday

Tipster Shane O'Brien is pulling no punches for this heavyweight clash

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change

The UEFA Nations League continues on Thursday with the Group A clash between Iberian rivals Spain and Portugal undoubtedly the pick of the action. 

WELCOME TO PADDY POWER NEWS!

Spain v Portugal – 7.45pm
UEFA Nations League
Thursday 2nd June
TV: Premier Sports 2

The sides have enjoyed success in the competition’s previous two years. Portugal were the first winners in 2019, while Spain fell just short last year, losing to France in the final and both teams will be keen to get off to a flier here. This one could be a cracker, and this our Bet Builder just for the occasion.

*An accumulator with these bets pays at approximately 29/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.

The latest football odds are on PaddyPower.com right now

Spain to win

Spain and Portugal have drawn each of their last four games against one another. The two Iberian nations are undoubtedly the heavy hitters in a group consisting of Switzerland and Czech Republic, so Thursday’s game offers both sides an opportunity to get off the mark. 

It is always somewhat difficult to predict end-of-season international fixtures when players are winding down after a lengthy season, especially considering both sides have played just two games in the last six months. Based on their performances over the past year, however, Spain appear to have the edge over their neighbours ahead of Thursday’s games. 

The Spanish have produced some wonderful performances under Luis Enrique over the last 12 months, most notably ripping European champions Italy to shreds in the Nations League semi-finals last October. They left their World Cup qualification to the last minute, narrowly beating Sweden 1-0 in their final group game to book their passage to Qatar. 

Portugal, on the other hand, staggered over the line in their bid to qualify for Qatar, booking their place at the World Cup through the play-offs after initially losing to Serbia in their last group game. They may boast a host of star names, but Spain are a far more coherent outfit and should have too much for them on Thursday. 

Both teams to score 

Each of the last two games involving Spain and Portugal have ended in goalless draws, but that is unlikely to be the case on Thursday night. Portugal have failed to score in just four of their last 19 games, while Spain have managed to keep a clean sheet in just seven of their 15 games since the start of the Euros last summer. 

They have also failed to keep a clean sheet against any side competing in the top tier of this season’s Nations League in each of their last seven games in a run of fixtures stretching back to a 0-0 draw with – you guessed it – Portugal, in a friendly before the Euros began last June. It is hard to see them repeating the feat on Thursday night. 

Ferran Torres to score anytime

Ferran Torres has provided a modest return of seven goals in 26 appearances since swapping Manchester for Barcelona in the winter, but his record for the national team over the past 18 months has been excellent. 

The forward has scored an impressive nine goals in 17 appearances for Spain since the beginning of 2021, coming up with crucial goals in their Euro 2020 campaign in addition to scoring both goals in their 2-1 win over Italy in the Nations League semi-final. He appears to have developed a knack for important goals on the international stage and can cause damage against Portugal in Seville. 

Gavi anytime assist

Gavi may only be 17, but he has shown maturity beyond his years in his six national team performances to date. The Barcelona midfielder has produced accomplished performances for club and country over the past 12 months, providing five assists in 28 league starts for Barcelona during the campaign. 

Gavi provided an average of one key pass per game for Barcelona last season and is good value to register his first-ever international assist on Thursday night. 

Spain v Portugal Bet Builder tips

Spain to win
Both teams to score
Ferran Torres to score anytime
Gavi anytime assist

*An accumulator with these bets pays at approximately 29/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.

FREE BET IF 1 LEG LETS YOU DOWN

If one leg of your 4+ fold Accumulator fails to land, you get up to £/€10 back as a free bet. Customers can qualify for 1 Acca Free Bet If 1 Leg Lets You Down per day up to £/€10. The free bets will be credited by 12pm the following day.

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change

Read More

The latest football odds are on PaddyPower.com right now

THE PADDY POWER GUIDE TO SAFER GAMBLING – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW