Portugal are currently second in Group A, a point behind leaders Serbia, but with a game in hand, that gives them with a chance to get back on top if they continue on their unbeaten ways in the qualifiers. Indeed, A Selecao have won four and drawn one of their five games in the qualifying encounters and head into Tuesday’s clash on the back of a four-game winning streak including a 3-0 friendly win over Qatar last week.
Luxembourg, meanwhile, are third in the group standings, with six points from five games and with little hope of making it through. Nonetheless, the minnows will be hoping to put up a strong fight and pick up at least a point from their trip to Portugal.
The Red Lions are without a victory in their last three fixtures with their most recent one ending in a 1-0 defeat to group leaders Serbia.
The last time these two sides met Portugal came back from a goal down to beat Luxembourg 3-1 with goals coming from Diogo Jota, Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Palhinha. Ahead of their latest encounter on Tuesday, The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at both teams.
Portugal manager Fernando Santos will set his team up in a 4-3-3 formation with Rui Patricio manning the goal. Ruben Dias will line up at the heart of the defence alongside veteran star Pepe while Diogo Dalot and Joao Cancelo slot in as the full-backs on the right and left sides, respectively.
There will be wholesale changes in the midfield department as Wolves duo Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho ought to return to the starting XI. The former will sit at the base of the midfield and try to shield the backline while the latter will look to create openings with his incisive passes and set-piece delivery. Bruno Fernandes ought to take up the third slot in the middle of the park.
opener! pic.twitter.com/sMnMfAqluW
— SEDEF BURCU (@SEDEFBURCU1) October 12, 2021
another penalty! pic.twitter.com/5BxJLND7ft
— SEDEF BURCU (@SEDEFBURCU1) October 12, 2021
this one counts! pic.twitter.com/yqQMOd3ifB
— SEDEF BURCU (@SEDEFBURCU1) October 12, 2021
hattrick! pic.twitter.com/XvdUVydpZ6
— SEDEF BURCU (@SEDEFBURCU1) October 12, 2021