How Portugal could line up against the Czech Republic

Portugal manager Fernando Santos has no fresh concerns to work around for Thursday's UEFA Nations League contest with the Czech Republic in Lisbon.

The Selecao currently top the group with four points from two fixtures after thrashing Switzerland 4-0 last time out, but the hosting manager should still make a number of alterations.

Rui Patricio will have no intention of handing the gloves back over to Diogo Costa, but the veteran Pepe may be in need of a break as Portugal prepare for a third game in seven days.

Domingos Duarte could therefore have the opportunity to partner Danilo Pereira at the back this week, with Braga's David Carmo once again absent from the squad on Sunday evening.

Joao Cancelo is unlikely to cede his place on the right, but Nuno Mendes could drop out for Raphael Guerreiro on the opposite side, and Bruno Fernandes should be fine to go again in the middle after coming off after 67 minutes against the Swiss.

The Manchester United man could still find himself alongside a new crop of engine room stars in Joao Moutinho and Joao Palhinha, allowing Bernardo Silva to feature further forward on the right wing.

Rafael Leao will also expect to return to the side and support Cristiano Ronaldo, who is fresh from scoring his 116th and 117th goals in international football.

Portugal possible starting lineup: Patricio; Cancelo, Pereira, Duarte, Guerreiro; Moutinho, Palhinha, Fernandes; Silva, Ronaldo, Leao