Portugal is set to continue their journey in the Euro 2024 qualification campaign, determined to maintain their strong hold on the top spot in Group J.
In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive preview of this exciting clash, including team news, lineups, and predictions.
Roberto Martinez’s squad has been on an impressive run, amassing 15 points from their five matches, putting them firmly in the lead of Group J.
With a five-point cushion over second-placed Slovakia and third-placed Luxembourg, Portugal remains the favorite to secure qualification for Euro 2024.
In their most recent encounter, Bruno Fernandes’s 43rd-minute goal secured a victory against Slovakia, pushing Portugal’s points tally to 15.
What’s remarkable is their impeccable defensive record, having scored 15 goals and yet to concede in the group stage.
Portugal has a rich history in European Championships, having qualified for the last seven editions and winning the title in 2016.
Although their performance in Euro 2020 was a disappointment, they bounced back by reaching the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup.
With their current form and squad quality, they are poised to be strong contenders for Euro 2024.
On the other hand, Luxembourg is on a historic journey of their own, aiming to qualify for a major tournament finals for the first time in their history.
Their qualification campaign has been impressive, garnering 10 points from five matches, including three wins, one draw, and one defeat. This puts them level on points with second-placed Slovakia, making the competition intense.
Luxembourg’s recent successes include a 3-1 victory over Iceland, marking their third consecutive win in the group, along with wins against Liechtenstein and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
However, they faced a daunting 6-0 loss to Portugal in the reverse fixture in March, making them aware of the challenge ahead in the upcoming clash.
Portugal Euro Champ Qualifying form: WWWWW
Portugal form (all competitions): LWWWW
Luxembourg Euro Champ Qualifying form: DLWW
Luxembourg form (all competitions): DLLWW
Team News
Portugal is likely to field a strong XI for this crucial match, given Luxembourg’s recent improvements. Cristiano Ronaldo remains a key player, having scored five goals under Martinez’s management.
Pedro Neto, Goncalo Ramos, Joao Felix, and Diogo Jota are additional attacking options, but we may see the same starting lineup as the one against Slovakia.
Luxembourg, on the other hand, has no reported injury concerns following their 3-1 victory over Iceland.
Danel Sinani, the leading goalscorer with 11 goals, is expected to start in a deeper position, while Alessio Curci will lead the attack.
Yvandro Borges Sanches will operate off the left, and Christopher Martins is set to earn his 61st cap in midfield.
Portugal possible starting lineup:
- Costa
- Dalot
- A Silva
- Dias
- Cancelo
- Vitinha
- Palhinha
- Fernandes
- B Silva
- Ronaldo
- Leao
Luxembourg possible starting lineup:
- Moris
- M Martins
- Mahmutovic
- Chanot
- Pinto
- Sinani
- Barreiro
- C Martins
- Olesen
- Sanches
- Curci
Prediction: Portugal 2-0 Luxembourg
Luxembourg deserves credit for their recent performances, but Portugal’s strong form and quality make them the favorites to secure a sixth consecutive win in Group J.