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Portugal vs Israel: Final test before Portugal’s title defence gets underway

Portugal will be looking to make a statement of intent when they host Israel in their final warm-up game ahead of Euro 2020.

When: Wednesday, June 9, 19:45 BST

How to watch: Sky Sports Football

Follow this game live via our score centre

Best Bets

Portugal to win to win and BTTS at 19/10

Over 3.5 goals at 7/5

Diogo Jota to score first at 15/4

Having been drawn in the group of death, Portugal aren't exactly odds on to retain their European Championship crown.

The last - and only - nation to retain the Euros was Spain having won the title in 2008 and 2012. As things stand, Portugal are fifth favourites to match Spain's achievements at 8/1.

Cristiano Ronaldo led Portugal to Euro 2016 success

But before we get too carried away, there is one final test ahead for Portugal. Israel haven't qualified for the Euros but recent victories - including 3-1 win over Montenegro and 4-1 a win over Moldova - prove that they are capable of scoring goals.
Portugal are expected to get the job done and continue their impressive home record. However, Israel should provide a bit of resistance and pose a certain degree of threat in attack.

Last Three Matches

Portugal 1-1 Israel (World Cup Qualifier - October 11, 2013)
You have to go back eight years to find the last head-to-head meeting between these two nations.
Back then, the two clashed in a World Cup qualifier which ended in a rather drab 1-1 draw.
Ricardo Costa gave Portugal an early lead however, Eden Ben Basat was able to find the equaliser with five minutes remaining.
Israel 3-3 Portugal (World Cup Qualifier - March 22, 2013)
A few months earlier, both teams played out another draw; albeit, with a lot more drama.
Bruno Alves put Portugal ahead in the second minute of the contest.
However, two quick goals from Tomer Hemed and Ben Basat allowed Israel to nudge in-front at the interval.
Later, Rami Gershon gave the hosts an unprecedented two-goal lead but it was not to last.
Helder Postiga's goal in the 72nd minute set up a dramatic finish in which Fabio Coentrao was able to score an injury-time equaliser.
Portugal 2-1 Israel (Friendly - November 14, 2000)

After an eventless first-half, this friendly eventually came to life after the interval.

Goals from Luis Figo and Jorge Costa gave the hosts a 2-0 lead in Braga.
Yossi Benayoun grabbed a goal back for Israel in the 85th minute but it wasn't enough to inspire a comeback.

Last five head-to-heads

Portugal wins: 2

Draws: 2

Israel wins: 1

Portugal goals: 10

Israel goals: 9

Star-studded Portugal can make a statement

There is an argument to suggest that the current Portugal squad has more quality and more depth than the one which won the 2016 Euros.

For instance, the addition of players such as Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes and even the in-form Diogo Jota make this squad look formidable. 

Portugal manager, Fernando Santos

Group games with Germany and France are likely to be some of the most exciting fixtures of the entire tournament and should Portugal prevail, they will surely be the frontrunners to go all the way.

This upcoming clash with Israel will be an opportunity for Santos to evaluate his side one last time. While the result doesn't matter, his men will be keen to make an impact and send a message of intent to the rest of the nations.

Over a thousand days

In a space of over three years, Portugal have only lost one home game.
That defeat came against world champions France who picked up a slender 1-0 victory in the UEFA Nations League.

Man City and Portugal star, Ruben Dias

With the exception of that one loss, you have to go back over 1,100 days to find their next home defeat.
With that in mind, Portugal will be confident of breaking their two-game winless run against the Israelis.

Goalscorer bets

There are plenty of potential goal scorers in this Portugal team but one name which stands out is Diogo Jota.

The Liverpool man is not only in good form but also presents a decent price in the market.

Liverpool and Portugal forward, Diogo Jota

Jota has scored three goals before half-time during his last three appearances for the national side. At the price of 15/4, he presents good value to score first again.

READ MORE: Planet Sport Euro 2020 show featuring Lloyd Griffith, Iain Stirling...and Gazza

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