- Uzbekistan have lost their last two away games, conceding four and failing to earn a point on the road in recent outings.
- Portugal have won three and drawn two of their last five matches in all competitions.
- Portugal are third in Group K on 1pt after 1 game, while Uzbekistan are fourth on 0 after their Group K opener.
Portugal can put Group K opponents to sword
Portugal have a point while Uzbekistan have none from their opening FIFA World Cup Group K fixtures, but Portugal can get the three points they need in Houston on Tuesday.
Portugal will likely stick with the 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 formation that Roberto Martinez has become known for, which relies on the midfield to dominate possession, while the full-backs provide width and the front three rotate to get into attacking positions.
Uzbekistan set up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with the main objective of keeping the game compact and the lines well-disciplined before hitting opponents on the counter-attack.
Uzbekistan face an uphill task in Group K
The clash of Portugal's pressing and ball-dominant game plan against Uzbekistan's 'park the bus' approach should see the match flow in one direction, and it's not likely to be towards Uzbekistan.
Portugal drew 1-1 with DR Congo in their Group K opener, which was a decent result. Martinez's men will be looking to win this match, however, and they should have enough quality to see out the points.
Portugal beat Nigeria 2-1 in a pre-tournament friendly and have enough squad depth to score the goals they need to win on Tuesday.
Portugal to keep a clean sheet
Portugal have been priced at 9/50 to beat Uzbekistan, which is about right given the form of the two sides. The Group K dark horses have lost three straight games ahead of this clash and have won just two of their last five in all competitions.
A clean sheet for Portugal looks likely, as they will be able to shut Uzbekistan out with their pressing game, so we're taking 'Both teams to score - No' at 61/100 to add extra value to the already favoured scoreline.
Joao Neves is the top scorer in Group K with one goal from one game for Portugal, but Pedro Neto's creativity is the key for Portugal's chances of success in the World Cup this year. Pedro Neto has provided one assist in one game in Group K and will be keen to add his name to the scoresheet again on Tuesday.
Abbosbek Fayzullayev has one goal in his one Group K appearance for Uzbekistan and can provide the spark for the Group K underdogs to get a goal against Portugal, but it's unlikely to be enough to affect the result.
