Portugal vs Algeria Betting Tips: Latest odds, team news, preview and predictions

With Cristiano Ronaldo returning to the side, we are backing the champions of Europe to round off their World Cup preparations with a win in Lisbon

Portugal's friendly matches in 2018 have so far been relatively underwhelming, with the European champions' most recent games seeing them playing out two draws against Tunisia and Belgium, respectively.

Those games were contested without captain Cristiano Ronaldo, and the Real Madrid forward will be back on Thursday evening to face Algeria in what will be his country's final friendly before they head to Russia.

SportPesa have Fernando Santos' side at 20/59 (1.34) while Algeria, who will not be competing at the World Cup, can be backed at 19/2 (10.50).

The draw is offered at 7/2 (4.50).

The return of Ronaldo will be a huge boost to Portugal both in terms of footballing ability and confidence.

The Euro 2016 winners played without a recognised striker against Belgium, but we should expect the current Balon d'Or holder to come straight back into the starting eleven.

Andre Silva started on the bench in the last game but could come in alongside Ronaldo, while first choice goalkeeper Rui Patricio should also return.

The Portuguese will be aiming to record a morale-boosting win before they set off for Russia, and the return of Ronaldo will surely provide them with enough firepower to overcome Algeria.

Against Belgium, Portugal were much improved from their previous friendly showings this year and more than matched their heavily-fancied opponents.

Algeria have lost their last three friendlies - against Iran, Saudi Arabia and most recently to Cape Verde last week - and have not faced European opposition since their final game in the last World Cup.

Portugal are offered at 11/10 (2.10) to win with a -1 handicap and that looks like a tempting way to back Santos' side.

Ronaldo meanwhile is priced at 5/7 (1.71) to score at anytime, while the hosts are also offered at 37/20 (2.85) to score over 2.5 goals.