"Starting with the hosts, watching their World Cup qualifying romp come to a shock end earlier in the week, Portugal will be seeking an immediate response here. Eventually falling to a 2-0 loss away at Ireland, Roberto Martinez's superstar squad will be looking to prove that toothless performance was nothing more than a minor blip. Nevertheless, still holding a two-point buffer at the top of the Group F standings, the former Belgium boss will be calling on his side to wrap up their World Cup ticket with a statement of intent."
"Shown a first international red card away against Ireland on Thursday night, attacking talisman and five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo will miss out through suspension here. Recording four Serie A strikes in his five appearances prior to the international break, AC Milan star Rafael Leao should be handed a full recall. Left as an unused substitute in Dublin, Manchester City ace Matheus Nunes could start at right-back. Returning from a recent muscle issue, PSG's Joao Neves will start in the middle of the park and could be partnered alongside ex-Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves."
"As for the visitors, while Armenia might have clinched a stellar 2-1 victory at home against Ireland on September 9th, it appears that was nothing more than a minor boost for Yegishe Melikyan's camp. Last seen earlier in the week falling to a 1-0 loss at home against Hungary, the Havakakan sit rock-bottom of the Group D standings and they will be bracing them"
Portugal host Armenia in Porto with Portugal seeking an immediate response after a 2-0 World Cup qualifying defeat to Ireland. Portugal retain a two-point lead atop Group F and aim to secure qualification with a strong home display after recent Nations League success and a long unbeaten competitive home run since September 2022. Cristiano Ronaldo is suspended following a red card and Rafael Leao is expected to start after strong Serie A form. Matheus Nunes and Joao Neves are possible lineup adjustments. Armenia arrive after a 1-0 loss and sit at the bottom of their group.
Read at Soccer News
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]