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How Portugal could line up against Slovakia

How Portugal could line up against Slovakia
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Sports Mole looks at how Portugal could line up in Friday's Euro 2024 qualification match with Slovakia.

Cristiano Ronaldo should return from a suspension to lead the Portugal attack in Friday's Euro 2024 qualification match with Slovakia.

The 38-year-old was not a part of his national team's 9-0 win over Luxembourg due to a one-match ban, but he is expected to come back into the side for this match despite the fact that his replacement Goncalo Ramos netted twice last time out.

Head coach Roberto Martinez made changes for the contest with Luxembourg, but Joao Cancelo, Vitinha, Joao Palhinha and Antonio Silva should come back into the side, with Portugal needing a win to secure their spot at next summer's tournament with three games to spare.

Joao Neves, 19, will be aiming to win his first cap during the team's next two matches, while Jose Sa and Toti Gomes are the other two uncapped players in the squad.

There are not expected to be any surprises when it comes to the Portugal XI here, with Vitinha set to feature alongside Palhinha and Bruno Fernandes in midfield.

Bernardo Silva is a certainty in the final third of the field, and the spot on the left could be handed to Diogo Jota, who netted twice against Luxembourg last time out.

Martinez also has Pedro Neto and Joao Felix as attacking options alongside Leao and Ramos, demonstrating the immense talent that can be called upon in the final third of the field.

Portugal possible starting lineup: D. Costa; Dalot, A. Silva, Dias, Cancelo; Vitinha, Palhinha, Fernandes; B. Silva, Ronaldo, Jota

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Matt Law
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