Portugal predicted lineup for Turkey clash in Euro 2024; Cristiano Ronaldo to start?

Portugal are coming off a 2-1 victory against Czechia.

Group F’s latest clash will witness Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal go up against Turkey with the hope of securing all three points and ensuring their qualification in the last 16 of the 2024 European Championship. Portugal came into this game after enjoying a thrilling comeback victory over Czechia in their curtain raiser.

The 2016 European champions returned from a goal down in the second half with Francisco Conceição scoring a stoppage-time winner in a 2-1 victory. Portugal’s head coach Roberto Martinez is not expected to make any changes to his winning combination and continue with the same line-up against Turkey.

Portugal’s Predicted XI:

GK: Diogo Costa

Diogo Costa will remain under the bar despite an ordinary performance in the opening game. He has been Roberto Martinez’s first-choice keeper in the build-up to the Euros and the head coach is expected to keep his belief intact in the 24-year-old. 

CB: Ruben Dias

Ruben Dias has been a stalwart in the heart of the Portuguese defense since his debut in 2018. Dias has come up through the ranks and has established himself as one of the top defenders in Europe. He wrapped up the first game with four clearances, one block, and a passing accuracy of 93%.

CB: Pepe

Pepe is the oldest player to feature in the 2024 European Championship, but he seems to be aging like a fine wine. The veteran defender still has what it takes to play at the highest level and there’s no stopping him. Pepe won the majority of his ground duels and all of his aerial duels while completing 93% of his passes in the first game.

Also read: Turkey vs Portugal Predicted lineup, betting tips, odds, injury news, H2H, telecast | UEFA Euro 2024

CB: Nuno Mendes

Nuno Mendes will also continue at the back for Portugal. The young prodigy put up a good display in the opening game with his runs forward. He made crucial interceptions and tackles while winning nine aerial duels. He also executed a key pass and tested the keeper with a shot on target.

RM: Diogo Dalot

The Manchester United full-back is expected to start the game against Turkey on the right flank. Dalot played the majority of the last game and put up a decent performance. He executed a key pass and completed out three attempted dribbles. Moreover, he also maintained an excellent passing accuracy of close to 90%.

CM: Vitinha

Vitinha was possibly Portugal’s best player on the pitch in their first game. He controlled the tempo of the game and contributed on both ends of the pitch. He was apt with his line-breaking passes and perfectly timed tackles. Vitinha tested the Czechia goalkeeper with two shots on target and also completed 95% of his passes.

CM: Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes is the creator in chief for Portugal. He is responsible for creating attacking moves and goal-scoring chances for his teammates. He created a big chance in the last game and had two shots blocked. His vision coupled with his pinpoint passing accuracy makes him a threat to any opposition in this world.

LM: Joao Cancelo

Joao Cancelo has been used in a new role in the national team setup just like he operates at the club level for FC Barcelona. Cancelo has been moved to the left flank by Roberto Martinez and he has done really well. He is pacy, smart and very agile on the pitch. He not only makes dangerous runs forward but also comes back to defend and help his teammates as and when required.

RW: Bernardo Silva

Bernardo Silva also gave a good account of himself in the first game. He was very active upfront with his dribbles and silky moves. Silva tested the keeper once with a shot on target and was at the top of his game with his passing and playmaking. Expect him to put up an even better performance in the next game against Turkey.

CF: Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal’s ray of hope and global icon Cristiano Ronaldo will lead the line for his nation against Turkey. He has never found the back of the net against Turkey and will want to change that come Saturday. He brought the opposition keeper into action with three shots on target in the opening game and completed 100% of his passes. Expect him to open his account against Turkey and help Portugal get through to the RO16.

LW: Rafael Leao

Rafael Leao did not have a memorable outing in the first game and had to be taken off in the second half. He played below his high standards and will be ever so motivated to change that against Turkey. Leao will be Portugal’s first choice on the left wing given what he brings to the table on his day.

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