- Team form: Both teams have identical records of 7 wins, 2 draws and just 1 defeat in their last 10 games in all competitions.
- Recent record: Portugal's record in their last five matches is 2 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeat with exactly the same record applying to DR Congo.
Rough ride anticipated for favourites Portugal
Tactics
With Portugal heavy 1.31 favourites to win this game and DR Congo the clear underdogs, our selection is the over 2.5 goals option which is available at 1.65.
Roberto Martinez has done a fantastic job since taking over as head coach in January 2023. His side have been a possession-based, fluid team that can play in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 system depending on the opposition.
Their technical midfielders are given license to roam, while their pacey full-backs provide a good amount of width. Overloads wide are a key part of the plan and they can rotate players into space to receive the ball.
Players to watch
Portugal will have to be at their best to break down a stubborn DR Congo side who are sure to keep the game tight and try to catch the European side on the break.
- Bruno Fernandes is the creative engine that drives Portugal forward and he has four assists in their last five.
- Gael Kakuta is DR Congo's best player and main attacking threat and has two of their four goals in their last five games.
DR Congo are capable of causing problems
Coach and setup
Sebastien Desabre has done a solid job with DR Congo since taking over in August 2022. His side are a compact, mid-block defensive team, disciplined in shape, that like to play on the counter with their pacey attackers.
Outlook
They have plenty of quality and it is difficult to see them being completely dominated by Portugal on Wednesday, but it is very difficult to imagine them getting anything from the game.
Portugal are dominant at home, score goals for fun and have more than enough quality to get a few on Wednesday and win the match, but DR Congo could be dangerous on the fast break so take the over 2.5 here.
