Preview: Portugal vs. Cape Verde

Fernando Santos has enjoyed a positive start to life as head coach of the Portuguese national side.

The 60-year-old has taken charge of four Euro 2016 qualifiers, all of which have been won - the latest of which came at the weekend against Serbia.

On Tuesday, Santos will put his 100% winning record on the line against international minnows Cape Verde at the Estadio Antonio Coimbra da Mota in Estoril.

Historically, there is a close connection between the two nations. Back in the 15th century, explorers from Portugal discovered and colonized the uninhabited islands. To this day, the official language on the islands is Portuguese.

As for the match, Santos is expected to ring the changes to his starting lineup, one of which will see captain and talisman Cristiano Ronaldo drop out as he looks to manage a long-standing knee injury.

A number of debuts are expected to be handed out, which could see the likes of Lucas Joao, Marafona and Danilo Pereira make their international bows.

Meanwhile, the visitors are likely to start with a handful of Portugal-based players, including Estoril midfielder Babanco and Maritimo defender Gege.

The two countries have met twice before, with Portugal winning 4-1 in 2006 thanks to a Pauleta hat-trick. Then, in 2010, a 0-0 draw was played out.

It was recently announced that the gate receipts from the match will go to a fund for the victims of the Ilha do Fogo volcano eruption in Cape Verde.

Portugal:

Form in friendlies: WDWWLW Form in all competitions: LLWWWW

Possible starting lineup: Marafona; Almeida, A Pinto, T Pinto, Antunes; Silva, Andre, Pereira, Pizzi; Joao, Fonte

Cape Verde:

Form in friendlies: WLDDDW Form in all competitions: WLWDDD

Possible starting lineup: Vozinha; F Varela, Gege, Carlitos, Stopira; Babanco, T Varela, Calu, Platini; Heldon, Mendes

Sports Mole says: 1-0