Portugal predicted lineup vs Slovenia - Euro 2024

Portugal have been handed one of the more favourable draws of the last 16 as they take on Slovenia in Frankfurt on Monday night.

Having won their opening two matches of the tournament and topped their group, a surprise defeat to Georgia may have tempered expectations. The 2-0 loss was technically the greatest upset in Euros history in terms of FIFA rankings, albeit Roberto Martinez made significant changes to his starting lineup as they closed out the group stage.

The former Belgium boss will recall some of his key starters for the match-up with Slovenia, including the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva. With a squad as deep as it is talented, Martinez has plenty of options should he wish to tinker, with skipper Cristiano Ronaldo having come under fire for his subpar displays.

Here is how Portugal may line up against Slovenia on Monday.

Portugal predicted lineup vs Slovenia (4-2-3-1)

GK: Diogo Costa - The Porto goalkeeper has been long admired by Europe's elite clubs and they will have liked what they've seen so far at Euro 2024. He hasn't been the busiest stopper in the competition, but he's been darn good when called upon.

RB: Joao Cancelo - Portugal have not been impenetrable in Germany and are never likely to be with Cancelo and Nuno Mendes as full-backs. However, the benefit of boasting the attack-minded pair comes in the final third.

CB: Ruben Dias - While he has been overshadowed by his veteran centre-back partner so far, Dias has been as composed and determined as ever at the back. There aren't many better defenders at Euro 2024.

CB: Pepe - The 41-year-old has been extraordinary in Germany, not just due to his age. The Porto defender reads the game impeccably and still boasts the aggression that has made him such an exceptional talent.

LB: Nuno Mendes - The Paris Saint-Germain defender was particularly impactful against Czechia and will keep Slovenia penned into their own half as he bombs up and down the flank.

DM: Vitinha - Arguably Portugal's best player at the tournament, Vitinha has continued his great 2023/24 form in Germany. Connecting attack and defence, the diminutive midfielder compliments Joao Palhinha well in a double pivot.

DM: Joao Palhinha - A key influence for Portugal, the Fulham midfielder has actually only managed a collective 90 minutes in Germany. Up against stronger opposition, his ability to break play up will be crucial in the knockout stages.

RM: Bernardo Silva - Having now scored his first goal at a major tournament, Silva will be keen to add to his tally. With Slovenia's first-choice left-back Erik Janza suspended, he could get some joy on the right wing. No Portugal player created more chances in the group stage.

AM: Bruno Fernandes - Operating in the number ten role, Slovenia will have to keep a keen eye on Fernandes. A chief creator, they cannot afford him too much space around the penalty area.

LM: Rafael Leao - Having now returned from suspension, with two yellow cards for diving to his name, Leao should come back into the starting XI. He has been underwhelming in Germany and has the likes of Pedro Neto and Diogo Jota fighting for his spot.

ST: Cristiano Ronaldo - The big question for Martinez involves Ronaldo. The captain should be replaced based on performances, but it seems like a big gamble - and one Martinez is unlikely to take. However, he needs to improve, and fast.

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