Portugal vs Slovenia Prediction: Likely end of the journey for Slovenia

Portugal and Slovenia square off in the Frankfurt Arena in Frankfurt am Main on Monday in the UEFA European Championship Round of 16. Portugal's final group stage encounter of the season ended in a 2-0 loss against Georgia, their first loss in the campaign thus far. They have five wins and three losses in their eight games this season. Slovenia's most recent match, a June 25 group stage match at Cologne Stadium, ended in a 0-0 tie with England, extending their unbeaten run to nine games. Slovenia scored three points, finishing third in their group, while Portugal ended top with six points.

In their previous meeting, which took place in March at Stadion Stožice as a friendly, Slovenia prevailed 2-0. The Slovenian team's first goal came from Adam Gnezda Cerin in the 72nd minute. In the Euro 2024 match, Portugal owed a debt to Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Francisco Conceição. With a single goal, they share the team's top scorer position. Erik Janza and Zan Karnicnik, who have each scored once in this Euro 2024 campaign, are greatly appreciated by Slovenia. Portugal has won four and lost two of its last six games across all competitions. During that time, the Portuguese team won three of the six games and put up seven goals.

While their opponents scored twice in the first forty-five minutes, they had five goals in the first half. In their last six games, the Slovenian team has won two and drawn four. Over that span, the Slovenian team scored seven goals, gave up four, and won three of the six games. Their opponents scored twice before halftime, while they scored twice in the first half.

Despite criticism for Ronaldo's subpar performances, Martinez is unlikely to take a chance on benching the all-time top scorer in international football.

Despite this, the Portugal manager made a lot of adjustments against Georgia. They proved ineffective, and he'll probably start Monday's roster in the same lineup as their first two Group F matches.

Portugal is not concerned about any injuries or bans, but they are happy to see Rafael Leao return after he was sent off twice for diving during the match against Georgia.

Portugal predicted lineup vs Slovenia (4-2-3-1): Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Pepe, Mendes; Vitinha, Palhinha; B. Silva, Fernandes, Leao; Ronaldo.

Erik Janza, a full-back for Slovenia, is the only player missing from the competition after receiving his second yellow card of the tournament against England in the previous round. It's expected that Jure Balkovec will join the defence.

Only twice have Slovenia scored goals in Euro 2024, and both of those goals were from defenders. Benjamin Sesko, who is highly regarded, needs to step up because his impact at the tournament has been limited thus far.

Slovenia predicted lineup vs Portugal (4-4-2): Oblak; Karnicnik, Drkusic, Bijol, Balkovec; Stojanovic, Cerin, Elsnik, Mlakar; Sporar, Sesko.

Portugal is well aware of Slovenia's capabilities. In their sole encounter, which took place in March, Slovenia triumphed 2-0 thanks to an outstanding performance. Even though it was just a friendly interaction, it should be taken seriously.

Nevertheless, despite their most recent defeat by Slovenia, Portugal ought to secure their place in the last eight. A team that is loaded with some of the best players in the world will undoubtedly be able to work through a resolute but ultimately weak Slovenian team.

Although the FIFA rankings may not support it as much, Portugal should make it to the quarterfinals.