Czech Republic vs Portugal Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
Portugal take on the Czech Republic in a must-win game on Saturday. Both sides are behind Spain in the UEFA Nations League group B standings. A loss for Portugal will end their chances of progressing in this competition. Switzerland is a point behind Czechs in second place. The Hard Tackle looks at how both sides could line up on this game. They discuss their tactics. The game is at the Eden Arena. Portugal won the previous game 2-0.
Czech Republic are playing Portugal. Patrik Schick is back in the team after a six-month absence. Petr Sevcik is sick and Michal Sadilek hasn't recovered from a hamstring injury. Czech Republic will play in a 3-4-3 formation. Tomas Vaclik will start in goal behind the back three of David Zima, Jakub Brabec and Vaclav Jemelka. Vladimir Coufal and Jaroslav Zeleny will be the wing-backs. West Ham United's Tomas Soucek will line up in middle of the park with Alex Kral.
Czech Republic vs Portugal is a friendly match.
Portugal are without Joao Cancelo, Pepe and Raphael Guerreiro. Diogo Dalot will replace him. Cristiano Ronaldo will lead the line. Rui Patricio will start in goal behind the back four of Dalots, Ruben Dias, Danilo Pereira and Nuno Mendes. Rubens Neves will be the lynchpin in midfield. Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva will push forward.
Czech Republic are unbeaten in their last four home games in the UEFA Nations League. The Czech Republic have never been held to a shutout at home in this competition. Portugal have won just one of their four meetings with the Czechs, back in 1996. Cristiano Ronaldo is in line to win his 190th cap on the night.
Cristiano Ronaldo is playing his 190th international match. He has been on the bench at Manchester United this season. Portugal have a stellar attacking cast behind him, including Jota and Leao. The World Cup is two months away.
Portugal are the better team on paper and have the upper hand in midfield and attack. The Selecao have a must-win game against the Czech Republic to go into the final game of the group stage against Spain with their destiny in their own hands.
