Algeria VS Portugal Match Prediction

There are no matches on record between these two nations, so whatever happens in Wednesday's clash it is certain that history is going to be made in this game.

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Algeria v Portugal: Prediction

Portugal have been one of the most impressive teams at the Games so far and coach Rui Jorge will have to find a balance between keeping up the team's momentum while managing fitness levels to ensure his squad are ready for the next round. Whatever team Jorge elects to pick, Portugal are likely to be too strong for an Algerian team that is yet to win a point at the Games.

Algeria v Portugal: Betting Tips

Portugal can be backed at 9/10 to win this match despite the fact they are two for two at the Olympics, one of only two nations to have an unbeaten record at the tournament so far. Algeria are 3/1 for the victory, which is poor value regardless of the fact Portugal may elect to rotate their team for this game. The draw is similarly one to avoid at a price of 12/5 here. Portugal might well aim to put on a show for their fans in this match, so over 2.5 goals at 10/11 is well worth a look.

With no points from their two matches at the Games, Algeria know they are heading home from Rio after this fixture so they may as well experiment and try to go out in a blaze of glory. Coach Schurmann may see this match as a chance to ensure all members of his squad get game-time.

Abdellaoui is unavailable after he was sent off in Algeria's last match, a 2-1 defeat to Argentina, in which the African nation acquitted themselves well before Calleri struck the winning goal.

Algeria likely XI:

Chaal, Demmou, Ferhani, Benguit, Ait-Atmane, Benkhemassa, Meziane, Darfalou, Methazem, Draouli, Bounedjah.

With qualification secure, Portugal's coach Rui Jorge may see a game against Algeria as a chance to keep his key players fresh, especially as even a draw will be enough to secure top spot in the group.

Henrique, Ilori, Pite, Silva, Ramos and Castro could therefore come into the side for this game, with the likes of Agra, Fernandes, Figueiredo and Ie given the day off, unless Jorge elects to stick with his strongest team for consistency.

Portugal likely XI: 

Varela, Esgaio, Pite, llori, Silva, Castro, Henrique, Martins, Oliveira, Podstawski, Ramos.

A shock 2-0 win over Argentina in their opening match of the tournament set Portugal up for a deep run at the Games and with their place in the next round secure, the pressure is off for their last group game against Algeria. Portugal may rest key players, but Algeria have lost both of their matches at the Olympics are are unlikely to turn around that record here. Portugal to win again and make it three in a row ahead of the knock-out rounds of the Games.

Portugal are one of two teams already through to the quarter-finals - with Nigeria.