Portugal predicted lineup vs South Korea – World Cup
Portugal need just one point from their Group H finale against South Korea to secure top spot ahead of the knockout stages.
With qualification already secured, Fernando Santos will likely rotate his squad and challenge his second unit to get the job done – a task they should be more than good enough to accomplish.
Here’s how Portugal could set up.
GK: Jose Sa – Wolves goalkeeper Sa is still waiting for his international debut and may get the chance here in favour of young starter Diogo Costa.
RB: Diogo Dalot – With Joao Cancelo yet to hit his brilliant best, this may be the time for Dalot to prove himself on the global international stage.
CB: Antonio Silva – Any chance to rest 39-year-old Pepe must be taken. In his place could come Silva, who is 20 years his junior.
CB: Ruben Dias – Santos has just three centre-backs in his squad so Dias will have to make do without a break.
LB: Raphael Guerreiro – Nuno Mendes was injured last time out so there’s no chance he’ll feature here.
DM: Joao Palhinha – Palhinha has been sensational at club level and has been among the first players off the bench for Santos, so this is the ideal chance to reward him with a start.
DM: William Carvalho – Danilo Pereira isn’t yet fit so there are limited options for rotation in midfield.
RM: Bernardo Silva – Similarly, with Otavio dealing with a muscle injury, Silva might have to slide out wide to give Bruno Fernandes a rest.
AM: Joao Felix – All eyes are on Felix as he looks to encourage offers for his services in the January transfer window.
LM: Rafael Leao – Leao’s game time has been limited thus far but this is the perfect occasion for the reigning Serie A MVP to get a start.
ST: Cristiano Ronaldo – Ronaldo probably needs resting but his determination to claim Fernandes‘ goal against Uruguay suggests he’s not going to rest until he takes Eusebio’s national record in World Cup matches. Santos couldn’t bench the 37-year-old if he tried.