Portugal vs Switzerland: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-Head

This is one of the most anticipated fixtures of the round of 16 in FIFA World Cup 2022

Portugal and Switzerland will lock horns in the round of 16 on Tuesday in a bid to book a spot in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2022. Despite losing to South Korea in stoppage time, Fernando Santos steered Portugal out of the group stage for the fourth major tournament in a row. Switzerland only qualified for the knockouts after coming from behind to defeat Serbia on Friday night.

Here's everything you need to know about an encounter which promises to be just as hotly contested.

Kick off: 12:30 AM IST, 8:00 PM CET 

Portugal Form(all competitions):  L-W-W-W-L

Switzerland Form(all competitions): W-L-W-L-W

Injury and team news

Otavio and Danilo Pereira missed the South Korea defeat due to injury and doubted this game. Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes were rotated out of the team and should return. PSG wingback Nuno Mendes was ruled out of the World Cup after sustaining a thigh injury. 

First-choice goalkeeper Yann Sommer and centre-back Nico Elvedi both missed Switzerland's final group game against Serbia through illness. Both will be ready and fit to play this match.

Players to Watch

Diogo Dalot

Dalot is a naturally skilled footballer with the ball at his feet, he is a competent ball carrier driving runs from deep and performing the modern role of a fullback. He has the special ability to have brilliant awareness of the game. Dalot’s attacking capability is enough to create threats for the opponent and he will also play a crucial role in defence.

Granit Xhaka

On the pitch, Xhaka's voice is a constant throughout the 90 minutes, shouting instructions at teammates and organizing the team from his favourite deep midfield role. He has been key for his club and his national team. His attacking, as well as defensive ability in recent times, has been brilliant. Trusted by his managers, and loved by his teammates. He is the heart of the midfield of the swiss.

Head-to-Head stats

Also read: Portugal vs Switzerland: Full Head-to-Head record

Matches - 25

Portugal - 9

Switzerland - 11

Draw - 5

Predicted lineup

Portugal predicted lineup (4-3-3):

Costa; Cancelo, Pepe, Dias, Guerreiro; Bernardo, Neves, Carvalho; Fernandes, Ronaldo, Felix.

Switzerland predicted lineup(4-2-3-1):

Sommer; Widmer, Elvedi, Akanji, Rodriguez; Xhaka, Freuler; Shaqiri, Sow, Vargas; Embolo.

Prediction

Switzerland is capable of springing a few surprises. They will be fully prepared to face the Portuguese. It will be a tight contest and can even go to penalties as well. 

Even though Portugal is a team which have some brilliant individual talent but they are the team that struggles to harness the full potential of their talented individuals. The result can go either way but still, Portugal is strong enough to come up on the top of Swiss.

Prediction: Portugal 1-0 Switzerland