World Cup

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World Cup Qualifying - Europe | Group Stage

Mar 27, 2021 at 7.45pm UK

Stadion Rajko Mitić

Serbia
2 - 2
Portugal

Mitrovic (46'), Kostic (60')
Maksimovic (57'), Mitrovic (85')
Milenkovic (90+2')

FT(HT: 0-2)

Jota (11', 36')
Fernandes (53'), Fonte (54'), Ronaldo (90+4')

How Portugal could line up against Serbia

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 25 March 2021

Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how Portugal could line up for their World Cup Qualifying clash with Serbia on Saturday evening.

Portugal manager Fernando Santos has no fresh injury concerns to contend with for Saturday's World Cup Qualifying battle with Serbia on matchday two.

Having sent Raphael Guerreiro back to Borussia Dortmund due to his ongoing fitness issues, in-demand Sporting Lisbon left-back Nuno Mendes should earn his second cap for the national team here after making his debut against Azerbaijan.

The rest of the rearguard is likely to remain unchanged, with Joao Cancelo and Ruben Dias both reprising their roles and Anthony Lopes continuing to deputise for the injured Rui Patricio.

Paris Saint-Germain's Danilo Pereira missed out against Azerbaijan, but with Portugal's resolve likely to be tested by Serbia's bright attackers, the defensive midfielder could be reintroduced in place of Ruben Neves.

Bruno Fernandes is also sure to start a game of this magnitude, so Bernardo Silva could make way if Santos seeks to rely on the experience of 34-year-old Joao Moutinho once again.

Joao Felix was only on the pitch for 15 minutes against Azerbaijan, but Santos sang his praises after the game, and the Atletico Madrid man could therefore earn a start in attack ahead of Andre Silva.

Cristiano Ronaldo cut an incredibly frustrated figure on his own turf in midweek, and Portugal's record goalscorer will undoubtedly be more determined than ever to return to scoring ways this weekend.

Portugal possible starting lineup:
Lopes; Cancelo, Duarte, Dias, Mendes; Pereira, Moutinho, Fernandes; Neto, Felix, Ronaldo