Portugal prepare for Wednesday's World Cup qualifier with the Republic of Ireland without several of their Euro 2020 contingent for various reasons.

Renato Sanches and Joao Felix both miss out due to injury, while the likes of Jose Fonte, William Carvalho, Sergio Oliveira and Diogo Dalot have all made way for new blood.

Three uncapped players in Diogo Costa, Otavio and Goncalo Inacio will aspire to make their international debuts during September's fixtures, although the trio may have to wait for their side's friendly clash with Qatar for that historic moment.

With Dalot also only appearing at Euro 2020 following Joao Cancelo's positive coronavirus test, the Manchester City man ought to return to an otherwise unchanged backline comprising Ruben Dias, Pepe and Raphael Guerreiro in front of 97-cap Rui Patricio.

Joao Moutinho may be the only midfielder who keeps his place from their Euro 2020 last-16 defeat to Belgium, with Danilo Pereira and Bruno Fernandes hoping to replace Joao Palhinha and the injured Sanches.

Diogo Jota's bright start to the season with Liverpool should certainly see him keep his place in attack alongside Bernardo Silva, who remains a key figure of Manchester City's team despite his desire to leave.

Up top, Cristiano Ronaldo only needs one more goal to surpass Ali Daei as the highest international goalscorer of all time before the 36-year-old prepares to play in front of the Old Trafford crowd once again.

Portugal possible starting lineup: Patricio; Cancelo, Pepe, Dias, Guerreiro; Pereira, Moutinho, Fernandes; B. Silva, Ronaldo, Jota

Written by
Ben Knapton