Portugal vs Uruguay: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head

Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. will eye a second consecutive win in Group H.

Portugal enters this game after a lackluster performance against Ghana, which resulted in a 3-2 victory. The game, though, could have resulted in a draw if Ghana had not squandered a golden opportunity. Portugal now must look ahead as they face one of South America's giants, Uruguay, in their second FIFA World Cup 2022 game.

Suarez and company should be disappointed with the effort they put on against South Korea, a dreary performance in which they failed to register a single shot on goal despite possessing such talented forwards. They will have to step up their intensity as they face a superior Portugal team.

Kick-off: 12:30 am (IST), 7 pm (GMT)

Portugal form (all competition): L-W-L-W-W

Uruguay form (all competition): D-W-L-W-D

Players to watch

Portugal 

Bruno Fernandes 

Fernandes was brilliant in Portugal's 3-2 triumph over Ghana, where he demonstrated his midfield prowess by winning the ball back and launching attacks, as well as registering two assists. Bruno has excellent vision and is the most effective player if the rest of the squad works well around him. He plays with such pride, setting up goals and tracking back, and will be an integral player against Uruguay.

Uruguay 

Federico Valverde

Valverde is a combative player with excellent speed and shooting skills. He is primarily a midfielder but can also play on the right flank. His influence is crucial for the squad since he excels in the gaps and, given the opportunity, will try to fire the ball, which is always on target. He'll be a fundamental player in their match against Portugal.

Injury & Team News

Nuno Mendes has been suffering from muscular soreness and may also miss this encounter since his recovery remains uncertain. Otavio was also substituted after suffering a hamstring injury in the game against Ghana.

Ronaldo Araujo's status has remained uncertain following thigh surgery, despite his inclusion in the team's opening game against South Korea. He will be eligible if Uruguay advances from the group stage.

Head-to-Head stats

Matches: 3

Portugal: 1

Draws: 1

Uruguay: 1

Predicted lineup

Portugal predicted XI (4-3-3): Costa; Cancelo, Pereira, Dias, Guerreiro; Bernardo, Neves, Carvalho; Fernandes, Ronaldo, Felix.

Uruguay predicted XI (4-3-3): Rochet; Caceres, Godin, Gimenez, Oliveira; Valverde, Bentancur, Vecino; Pellistri, Suarez, Nunez.

Prediction

It would be a tragedy if this Portugal squad did not advance farther in the competition. They are an incomparable squad that can outplay any side if they cooperate effectively. Fernando Santos will need to find a method to get them to play around each other and should take notes from the Ghana encounter.

Uruguay will be motivated for victory, and the game will be a major fight. But if Portugal can show unity, they will prevail. Although their weak defence is a concern, and Uruguay has the firepower to exploit them, Portugal will win this match due to individual flair.

Prediction: Portugal 2-1 Uruguay