How Portugal could line up against North Macedonia

Portugal will welcome the return of Joao Cancelo for Tuesday's World Cup 2022 playoff final with North Macedonia at the Estadio do Dragao.

The Manchester City right-back missed the semi-final win over Turkey due to suspension but is ready to take his rightful spot in the side over Diogo Dalot this week.

Manager Fernando Santos has no fresh injury concerns to report ahead of this encounter, with experienced defender Pepe now back in training after recovering from COVID-19.

Instead of handing Tiago Djalo his first senior start for Portugal, Santos opted to deploy Danilo Pereira as a makeshift centre-back against Turkey, but the Paris Saint-Germain lynchpin should make way as Pepe returns alongside Jose Fonte here.

Santos also made a big call in starting Diogo Costa over Jose Sa and Rui Patricio in goal against Turkey, but he has no reason to drop the 22-year-old for the final, while Raphael Guerreiro should edge out Nuno Mendes for the left-back spot again.

Joao Moutinho, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva ought to make up the midfield trio if Pereira is required further back, with the latter dropping deeper as Otavio earns another start on the right flank.

The Porto man came up with a goal and assist against Turkey and should hold off the threat of Joao Felix for another start, with Diogo Jota and Cristiano Ronaldo completing the frontline.

Portugal possible starting lineup: Costa; Cancelo, Pepe, Fonte, Guerreiro; Silva, Moutinho, Fernandes; Otavio, Ronaldo, Jota