Predicted Portugal Lineup To Take On Russia In Confederations Cup
Euro’16 winners Portugal made a fist of their first game against Mexico in the Confederations Cup 2017 as they failed to keep a one-goal lead twice in the game, picking up only a draw. However, it will not get any easier for Fernando Santos’ side as they are now going to face hosts Russia in their second game in the competition.
Portugal play Russia in what is an important game for the European Champions as they cannot afford to drop any more points in the competition. They are expected to go with their strongest XI and here is the predicted lineup Santos might field for this tie:
Provisional squad:
Patricio, Sa, Ba; Alves, Pepe, Neto, Guerreiro, Fonte, Semedo, Eliseu, Cedric; Moutinho, Pereira, Carvalho, Gomes, Pizzi, Adrien Silva; Ronaldo, Andre Silva, Bernardo Silva, Nani, Martins, Quaresma.
Probable Portugal XI
GK – Rui Patricio
Hardly put a foot wrong in that game against Mexico but was beaten twice and will hope to have a better outing against Russia.
RB – Cedric Soares
Had a decent outing as he put in some crisp balls into the box and stuck to his task at the back. Will start at right back yet again in this game.
CB – Pepe
Had a couple of shaky moments at the back and will want to put in a better performance in their second game of the competition.
CB – Jose Fonte
Was solid at the back for Portugal against Mexico and Santos will hope that he can keep up his good work against the hosts.
LB – Raphael Guerreiro
The youngster made a needless mistake that helped Mexico back into the game last time around and will have to improve his performance if Portugal are to keep Russia away from the goal.
CDM – William Carvalho
Had a dominating game against Mexico and will have to do the same to help Portugal get a strong foothold in this game against the home side.
CM – Joao Moutinho
Did a decent job in transition play in the previous game and will have his work cut out in the midfield against a fierce Russia side in their home turf.
CM – Andre Gomes
One of the best players on the pitch in the previous game, Gomes will hope to pick up a goal or an assist in this game to cap off his excellent form.
RW – Ricardo Quaresma
The goal scorer for Portugal in the previous game, Quaresma has been in excellent form in recent times and will be a man to watch out for in this game as well.
ST – Cristiano Ronaldo
The skipper of the side could not get himself on the score-sheet but was influential and is expected to play a similar role in this tie.
LW – Nani
The experienced winger was the first player to be subbed off against Mexico but will be given another chance to have an effect against Russia.