Portugal U19 vs Armenia U19 - Title holders Portugal to show their class

Mat Marshall

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Last updated: 15 Nov 2021

Mat Marshall 15 Nov 2021

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Armenia U19 have conceded 4+ goals in their last 5 matches

Portugal are expected to reach the UEFA U19 European Championship semi-finals with a big win vs Armenia U19 (Getty Images)

Portugal U19 vs Armenia U19 Preview, Predictions & Betting Tips

Portugal are expected to have too much class for Armenia at Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium in Yerevan. The UEFA U19 European Championship title holders should cruise to a comfortable win against the host nation and book their place in the semi-finals.

Portugal U19 Form & Team News

Portugal got their U19 European Championship title defence off to a flying start with a 3-0 win against Italy. Gonçalo Cardoso, Gonçalo Ramos and Felix Correia scored the goals in a comfortable win against a tricky opponent.

A 1-1 draw against Spain followed at Banants Stadion in Yerevan, Fabio Vieira’s free kick earning Filipe Ramos’ side a vital point. Ramos made just one change to his starting XI with striker Tiago Rodrigues replacing Gonçalo Ramos.

Gonçalo Ramos didn’t come off the bench but will hope to play a part against Armenia. Filipe Ramos might be tempted to make some changes here so his side are fresh for the semi-finals, but with five substitutions at his disposal he can give his most important players a rest by taking them off early.

Portugal’s key players are central defender Gonçalo Cardoso, attacking midfielder Fabio Vieira and attacker Félix Correia. I expect big performances from that trio if they indeed start against Armenia.

Portugal U19 will understandably be short priced favourites to beat Armenia U19 so we have to look towards the handicap markets.

Winger Felix Correia has had a strong start for Portugal at the UEFA U19 European Championship (Getty Images)

Armenia U19 Form & Team News

Armenia’s U19 European Championship campaign hasn’t gone well, the hosts heavily defeated in their opening two games. Central defender and captain Arsen Yeghiazaryan equalised in the 51st minute against Spain, but they couldn’t hold on in a 4-1 defeat.

Manager Artur Voskanyan kept faith with the same starting XI against Italy, the result almost the same as they were crushed 4-0. Armenia’s defence was all over the place at times and that could be a similar theme against Portugal.

Voskanyan has very little to work with in terms of quality players. With their tournament over, he might give some of his reserve players a run out to see what they are made of.

Armenia’s only previous appearance at the UEFA U19 European Championship came in 2005 when they were knocked out in the group stage. They have virtually no chance of beating Portugal and will do well to keep the score respectable, hence why they are paying 26.00 to win and 13.00 to claim a draw.

Portugal U19 vs Armenia U19 Head to Head

These nations have met on one occasion in an international friendly in November 2018. Portugal U19 were too strong in a 5-1 win at the Avan Academy Stadium, Daniel Silva, Duk, Rodrigo Fernandes, Bernardo Sousa and Diogo Brás on the score sheet before Emmanuel Odemis scored a late consolation.

Portugal U19 vs Armenia U19 Match Up

Portugal U19 have a very good team led by Gonçalo Cardoso, Fabio Vieira and attacker Félix Correia. They are playing with confidence and moving the ball around with pace.

Their class, form and confidence levels are far superior to Armenia who are only playing at the UEFA U19 European Championship because they are hosting the tournament.

Portugal U19 central defender Goncalo Cardoso plays for Boavista in the Portuguese Primeira Liga (Getty Images)

Portugal U19 vs Armenia U19 Key Statistics

Portugal U19 have scored 3+ goals in 6 of their last 9 matches in all competitions.
Portugal U19 have kept 7 clean sheets in their last 10 matches in all competitions.
Armenia U19 have conceded 4+ goals in their last 5 matches in all competitions.
Armenia U19 lost 5-1 in their only match against Portugal U19 (international friendly).

Verdict

Portugal U19 are on a completely different level to Armenia U19. The hosts have been the whipping boys of the tournament and are likely to suffer another heavy defeat at the hands of the defending champions.

Best Bet: Portugal U19 -3 Handicap @ 1.83 at bet365 - 5 Units

Correct Score Tip: Portugal U19 Win 4-0 @ 6.50 at bet365 - 1 Unit