Euro 2020 Qualifiers: POR vs LUX preview and predicted line-ups

Portugal face off against Luxembourg at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon in the Euro 2020 Group B Qualifiers on Friday. Portugal are currently second on the table, having won two and drawn two of their fixtures in Group B. Luxembourg, meanwhile, are fourth, having won just one of their fixtures. The Portuguese have conceded the second-lowest number of goals in Group B, having conceded just four goals in their last four games. Luxembourg, on the other hand, have shipped in double that number in five games so far.

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Portugal manager Fernando Santos has a full-strength squad at his disposal against minnows Luxembourg, with Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo back in the mix of things, and Manchester City wizard Bernardo Silva also fully fit. Everton midfielder Andre Gomes returns to the squad after an injury. Gomes replaces defensive midfielder William Carvalho, who pulled out from the squad due to an injury. Benfica centre-back Ruben Semedo gets a call up to the Portugal squad for the first time. Fernando Santos will also have Atletico Madrid sensation Joao Felix to wreak havoc against Luxembourg. Cristiano Ronaldo will fancy his chances of getting on the scoresheet, having scored a hat-trick against Lithuania in their earlier fixture.

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An attack that has scored 10 goals in four games, and a defence that has shipped in eight goals in their last five means that the Portugal vs Luxembourg fixture is bound to have goals galore. The European champions may have started off slow in the Qualifiers, with draws against Ukraine and Sweden to start with. But Ronaldo and co came flying off the blocks with consecutive wins against Serbia and Lithuania. A win against minnows Luxembourg will leave Fernando Santos' men well-primed for qualifying for the Euros, with Andriy Shevchenko's Ukraine being the other almost certainty in the group. Portugal have a game in hand over Serbia, who are currently third in the table. Portugal currently trail leaders Ukraine by five points. Ukraine, however, have played a game more than Ronaldo and team. Ronaldo will be looking to add to his tally of 93 international goals, with the Portuguese currently the second-highest international goalscorer of all time.

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Predicted Line-ups

Portugal (4-3-3): Rui Patricio; Nelson Semedo, Jose Fonte, Ruben Dias, Raphael Guerreiro; Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Neves, William Carvalho; Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix

Experienced goalkeeper Rui Patricio is expected to retain his place in goal, with Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves expected to start in the centre of the park. A front three of Bernardo Silva, Ronaldo and Joao Felix means that it is bound to be a long evening for Luxembourg.

Luxembourg (4-5-1): Moris; Jans, Chanot, Gerson, Carlson; Vincent Thill, Sinani, Barreiro, Oliver Thill, Rodrigues; Deville

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