Portugal National Football Team Vs Slovenia National Football Team Lineups is the very important term for the predicting match results and the best performing player.
Portugal will look to continue their impressive start when they take on Slovenia, who defeated England in their final group match. 2016 UEFA Euro champions Slovenia rested several key players but will be at full strength here.
Slovenia have no major injury concerns, though full-back Erik Janza has been suspended following a second yellow card. Jure Balkovec will fill in as his replacement.
Portugal
Portugal are still favorites despite an underwhelming 4-0 loss against Germany, but coach Roberto Martinez may have to do without Real Madrid star Rafael Leao if he picks up another yellow card during this match. Leao received two yellows during Portugal’s opening two games and would miss out if booked here as well.
Timi Max Elsnik and Adam Gnezda Cerin are nursing minor injuries but should be cleared to play here after late checks were carried out. Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig should also make an appearance, while Jan Oblak has made an impressionful start in Euro 2024 tournament so far.
Manager Matjaz Kek has an array of experienced players at his disposal to select from for his selection, such as set-piece specialist Jaka Bijol and Josip Ilicic who both pose aerial threats from set pieces. Unfortunately injuries hampered Slovenia in their final group game but there remains much they can offer going forward.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo stands to reach another monumental achievement in his illustrious career. The Portugal captain stands just short of reaching 900 international goals; now is an opportunity to write another chapter at the UEFA Nations League group stage.
Roberto Martinez made eight changes for Portugal’s defeat against Georgia and is hoping that their win can boost morale. They’ve had no reports of injury so far.
Slovenia are currently injury free. Manager Matjaz Kek has assembled an excellent squad, including players such as Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig and Jan Oblak from Arsenal FC. Slovenia have an edge when it comes to European experience – they defeated Portugal 2-0 in an international friendly back in March!
2. Bruno Fernandes
Cristiano Ronaldo will likely start in attack for Portugal against Slovenia. Both teams are free from injury or suspension; manager Roberto Martinez could choose to experiment with different lineups; Rafael Leao might miss out after receiving two yellow cards for diving in previous games; possibly replacing him with Alanyaspor’s Jure Balkovec as an option.
Joao Cancelo and Pepe should remain as centre backs, with Ruben Dias, Danilo Pereira, Nuno Mendes providing defensive coverage. Diogo Jota and Andre Silva could join Diogo Cancelo on the bench as subs. Slovenia have only one injury concern: striker Benjamin Sesko sustained quadriceps damage ahead of their final group game but will be fit enough to play against Poland in Frankfurt. Slovenia have displayed admirable determination throughout their tournament and hope to progress to the quarter-finals for the first time at major tournament.
3. Vitor Ferreira
Vitor Ferreira will look to make an impressionful return against Slovenia as Portugal looks to rebound from their shock loss against Georgia. They currently lead Group F with four points from three matches and boast the best defensive record at this tournament; yet have yet to score a goal themselves! Diogo Jota could feature as part of Portugal’s hopes to add attacking firepower.
Al Nassr defender Ihab El Nassr will look to make an impression against Slovenia, replacing Erik Janza who will miss due to suspension. Slovenia will return to UEFA Euro knockout action since 2000 as surprise Group H qualifiers; against reigning champions Sweden they face an uphill struggle and must show they belong at Frankfurt Arena on Monday.
4. Rafael Leao
Portugal became a global football powerhouse shortly after becoming independent state. Their national team won six European Championships and two World Cups to rank third worldwide.
Luiz Felipe Scolari led his side to success at every major tournament from 2010-2014; their most remarkable moment came at Euro 2016 finals.
At France in the semi-finals, they suffered an incredible setback; but now are back in top four of their group and could clinch automatic qualification into the next stage if they win this matchup against Croatia – who boast high expectations in this contest and are hoping for an unexpected upset win and debut victory in UEFA Nations League!
5. Joao Cancelo
Portugal will field their full strength lineup against Slovenia for this key knockout stage tie. After resting several players during their final group game against Georgia – a 2-0 loss – Portugal are eager to prove that their previous loss was just one-off.
Slovenia are an organized side who play an aggressive style of football that should suit Portugal. Their visitors won’t give possession away easily and may look to exploit space with runners.
Rui Patricio should remain as goalkeeper for Portugal’s Selecao team. His teammates should include Nelson Semedo and Pepe while Ruben Dias and Nuno Mendes will form the centre-back pairing, Joao Cancelo is expected to play right-back position, Palhinha Vitor Ferreira Bruno Fernandes Rafael Leao will all feature. Slovenia may experience one injury concern with Erik Janza suspended due to receiving a yellow card against England; Jure Balkovec could replace him in defence.
6. Ruben Dias
Portugal will look to prove themselves against a determined Slovenia team after suffering an unexpected defeat against Georgia. Cristiano Ronaldo should start up front while Joao Palhinha and Diogo Costa remain as part of their defence unit.
Since joining Manchester City as an 18/21 season loanee in 2020/21, Ruben Dias has shown his promise on both offense and defence, drawing praise from Pep Guardiola upon joining his squad. Dias, 23, is strong on the ball with an easy presence that attracted him.
Portuguese defender Nuno Mendes must be included in their starting XI against Slovenia to maximize his attacking zone operation and to provide Diogo Jota with more opportunities to make his mark in this tournament. Diogo Jota should also be brought onto the bench as an experienced option looking to show his value in this competition.
7. Nuno Mendes
Nuno Mendes has been impressive this season for Lazio and should receive his place at left-back against Slovenia. On Saturday versus Reims he made one shot, nine crosses (three accurate) and created multiple chances, helping Lazio salvage a 1-1 draw.
Pedro Neto and Rafael Leao will also hope to secure starting spots as both have done well for their respective clubs so far in Euro 2024 tournament. Goncalo Ramos from Al Nassr has not scored in competitive play since last year’s World Cup tournament.
Martinez may opt to rest some of their veteran core, including Bruno Fernandes, Joao Cancelo and Bernardo Silva for now; however, all are expected to take part in the Round of 16 match against Sweden – as 2016 UEFA Euro champions they need all hands on deck in order to advance through competition.
8. Diogo Jota
Portugal may have claimed top spot in Group F, but could still be caught off guard by Slovenia’s hard grit in their final group game against Matjaz Kek’s team in Belgrade. While Portugal are expected to advance into the quarter-finals without further setbacks such as their surprise 2-0 loss against Georgia, anything can happen!
Roberto Martinez will recall several first-choice players after rotating heavily the last time out, with Jota likely among those being included – with an eye towards ending his goal drought in major tournaments.
Former Porto winger Pedro has struggled for form in Germany but should make the starting lineup due to his experience and quality. Jure Balkovec from Alanyaspor will likely present him with competition.
9. Benjamin Sesko
Benjamin Sesko is an versatile striker for RB Leipzig who can play up front or in a supporting role. With power yet finesse in his aerial game, Sesko showcased this talent during Leipzig’s 2-2 draw with Augsburg last February by scoring off Dani Olmo’s cross as well as scoring one himself!
Slovenia will look to close their UEFA Nations League campaign with a victory. After suffering two straight losses, leaving them precariously poised, only an overwhelming victory against Portugal or a loss for Croatia in their final group match will give Slovenia any hope of reaching the knockout rounds.
Rui Patricio will continue as goalkeeper for Portugal. Nelson Semedo and Pepe will form his centre-back pairing while Diogo Dalot will operate on the left side and Nuno Mendes will act as the primary playmaker within the team’s system.
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