Portugal will face Slovakia in the 2024 Euro qualifiers
On Friday night, Slovakia will host Portugal in a top-of-the-table duel in Euro 2024 qualification Group J at Tehelne Pole in Bratislava.
Roberto Martinez’s side has collected 12 points from the 12 available in a spotless start to the season, while their hosts are only two points behind and might overtake their more illustrious opponents with a maximum this week.
Team News
Few surprises have been sprung in Slovakia’s selection for September’s fixtures, as PSG new boy Milan Skriniar and Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka will continue to control the backline.
Juraj Kucka, 36, is still going strong with Slovakian giants Slovan Bratislava, whose home ground will host Friday’s match, and should get his 100th cap for the Falcons here, likely alongside Napoli lynchpin Stanislav Lobotka, while Marek Hamsik has ended his glittering career.
With 15 goals to his name, Sydney FC winger Robert Mak is the leading goalscorer in Slovakia and should be given the nod on the left wing, but striker David Strelec is only in the reserves this time.
While Slovakia has said goodbye to a national team legend in Hamsik, Portugal’s 38-year-old Ronaldo continues to wear the captain’s armband and enters the international break having scored six goals and provided four assists in his first four league games with Al-Nassr this season.
Otavio and Ruben Neves of the Saudi Pro League have also been included, as have two uncapped players from Wolverhampton Wanderers, Jose Sa and Toti Gomes, while their former teammate, Manchester City’s Matheus Nunes, has been left out.
Raphael Guerreiro, Nuno Mendes, and 40-year-old centre-back Pepe are among the notable defensive absentees, while Benfica duo Rafa Silva and Joao Mario have also retired from international football.
Slovakia vs Portugal Match Details
Date: Saturday, September 9, 2023
Time: 12:15 AM IST
Location: Tehelne Pole
TV: Sony Ten Network (India)
Live Stream: Sony LIV, Jio TV (India)
Slovakia possible starting lineup: Dubravka; Pekarik, Skriniar, Vavro, Hancko; Duda, Lobotka, Kucka; Suslov, Bozenik, Mak
Portugal possible starting lineup: Costa; Pereira, Dias, A. Silva; Cancelo, Palhinha, Fernandes, Dalot; B. Silva, Ronaldo, Leao
Slovakia vs Portugal Match Dream11
Goalkeeper – Costa
Defenders – Skriniar, Dias, Cancelo, Dubravka
Midfielders – Duda, Fernandes, Kucka
Attackers – Ronaldo, Leao, Suslov