UEFA Nations League Match Preview: Sweden Vs Portugal – Team News & Possible Lineups

Portugal will be looking to continue their fine form today when they face off against Sweden in Group 3 of League A of their 2020-21 UEFA Nations League campaign.

On Saturday night, a Selecao thumped Croatia 4-1 at home in their first game of the latest edition, while Sweden on their side fell to a 1-0 home defeat to France.

Holding the Didier Deschamp’s men to a goal difference can be pleasing to the Sweden side, the last time out. However, they would be looking for victory this time around if they are to stay competitive in this edition of the tournament.

But at worst, Janne Andersson’s side does need to pick up at least a point against Portugal, though, if they are to stand a chance of making a progression from one of the toughest groups in the tournament.

In the 2018-19 UEFA Nations League edition, Sweden picked up seven points from their four Group B2 games to finish atop of the section, earning them promotion to League A for the 2020-21 edition.

Although Sweden will be mainly focusing on preparing for next summer’s European Championships after finishing second in Group F behind Spain to book their spot in the finals, they can still look to challenge for a good run in the Nations League tournament.

On the other hand, Portugal was superb in their UEFA Nations League opener on Saturday, cruising 4-1 past Croatia in Porto without their captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who was sidelined with a toe infection. Portugal currently tops their group table with goal difference despite France picking up a win against Sweden the same night.

Portugal 4-1 Croatia — Source: En24 News

Goals from Joao Cancelo, Diogo Jota, Joao Felix, and Andre Silva ensured that the defending champions had an impressive start without star player Ronaldo.

Portugal, who is also the defending European Champions, qualified for the next summer’s Euro tournament after finishing second in Group B.

Meanwhile, the Fernando Santos men will be hoping for another three points on Tuesday night to cement their top of the table status ahead of their next two UEFA Nations League fixtures away to France and at home to Sweden in October.

Plus the good news for the defending champions will be the availability of their captain Cristiano Ronaldo after missing out on the opener against Croatia.

UEFA Nations League Preview: Sweden Vs Portugal

Sweden Nations League Form: LDWWL
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Portugal Nations League Form: DDWWW
Portugal Form [All Competitions]: WWLWWW

UEFA Nations League Team News: Sweden Vs Portugal

Janne Andersson is expected to select the majority of the XI that started against France on Saturday night, with Robin Quaison, alongside leading scorer Marcus Berg likely to retain their spot in the final third.

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While Juventus forward Dejan Kulusevski, who came on from the bench against France to earn just his first second cap expected to break into the starting lineup in a wide position.

At the back, Manchester United center-back Victor Lindelof and Brentford’s Pontus Jansson should partner, while RB Leipzig attacker Emil Forsberg will be again selected for the home side.

For the Portugal side, the team will be looking to have a reshape around their star captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who sat out on Saturday night against Croatia. The captain is expected to return to the starting XI as continue to chase his 100th international goal for Portugal.

UEFA Nations League - Ronaldo Returns for Portugal — Source: The Sun

At the goal for the visitors, Anthony Lopes could again be selected ahead of Wolves shot-stopper, Rui Patricio. While Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes and his City neighbor Bernardo Silva will both keep their places.

However, it could be Diogo Jota, who grabbed his first goal for Portugal against Croatia, which will make way for Cristiano Ronaldo, as Joao Felix is expected to retain his spot. And Ruben Neves could come in for Wolverhampton Wanderers teammate Joao Moutinho in the midfield.

The only negative news for the Portugal side is Everton’s Andre Gomes, who is forced to withdraw from the squad through injury.