Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Portugal prediction, odds, betting tips and best bets for Euro 2024 qualifier
Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal are into Euro 2024 with three games to spare after winning seven games out of seven in Group J.
Roberto Martinez's men sealed their passage to the finals with a 3-2 win over Slovakia in Porto on Friday and their next engagement is against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Zenica.
Their hosts have their own hopes of progressing hanging by a thread as they sit fourth in the standings.
However, Savo Milosevic's men have second-placed Slovakia and third-placed Luxembourg to play in the final round of matches and a positive result here can keep them in the hunt.
Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Portugal match facts
- Date: Monday, October 16, 2023
- Kickoff Time: 8:45 p.m. local (2:45 p.m. ET / 11:45 a.m. PT)
- Location: Stadion Bilino Polje (Zenica, Bosnia-Herzegovina)
- Official: Davide Massa (ITA)
- Last meeting: Portugal 3-0 Bosnia-Herzegovina (Jun. 17, 2023 | Euro 2024 qualifying)
Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Portugal prediction, odds
- Moneyline lean: Draw (+310)
- Score prediction: Bosnia-Herzegovina 1-1 Portugal
Martinez is likely to shuffle his pack, with qualification secured meaning a chance to field the impressive depth of quality at his disposal.
If this means a slightly disjointed performance from Portugal, they could find it hard to break Bosnia-Herzegovina down. It's been a mixed campaign for the Balkan country but they are generally defensively sound, conceding nine times over the course of seven matches.
Three of those came against a full-strength Portugal in July. The other side of the coin in they're not especially effective going the other way, with seven goals scored overall. A 2-0 win over group whipping boys Liechtenstein got them back on the right track and, with qualification on the line, they simply have to break through with their home fans behind them.
Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Portugal best bet
- Pick: Edin Dzeko to score at anytime
- Odds: +350 (FanDuel)
Ronaldo moved his remarkable record-breaking international goal haul on to 125 from 202 games with a double against Slovakia, but there is another prolific veteran goal-getter set to be in action in Zenica.
Edin Dzeko has 65 goals in 131 caps during his Bosnia career. The former Internazionale, Roma and Manchester City striker has not been immune to his team's goal struggles during the current campaign, scoring once in six appearances.
However, the 37-year-old has been in fine form since moving to Fenerbahce during the close season, netting eight times in 12 outings for the Turkish Super Lig giants. He remains the most likely man to step up in a game that is crucial to his country's hopes of reaching a major tournament, one that in all likelihood will be Dzeko's last.
Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Portugal flier bet
- Pick: Cristiano Ronaldo to score multiple goals
- Odds: +350 (BetMGM)
A very straightforward one here. In Portugal colours, Ronaldo is showing no desire to slow down despite surely being in the closing stages of his incredible career.
His double against Slovakia put him second in the Euro 2024 qualification scoring charts behind Belgium's Romelu Lukaku (nine). You can be sure he knows exactly what the state of play is.
Martinez will rotate a few of his stars but it will take a brave manager to bench Ronaldo when he's on the goal trail. He failed to score in the home game against Bosnia-Herzegovina and will be keen to make amends.
