How Portugal could line up against Switzerland

Having negotiated their way through the World Cup's first phase as Group H winners, Portugal meet European counterparts Switzerland at Lusail Stadium on Tuesday, as they aim for a place in the quarter-finals of Qatar 2022.

After Fernando Santos made half a dozen changes to his starting XI for last week's defeat to South Korea, the Selecao's coach is set to recall players such as Manchester City duo Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva, with Joao Felix also returning up front.

However, captain and record goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo is dropped to the bench, and Goncalo Ramos - who has scored 15 goals in 24 appearances so far this season - will start instead.

Ricardo Horta - who was one of those introduced for their final group match and scored the opening goal - joins Matheus Nunes and Vitinha in making way.

In the absence of injured Danilo, teenage centre-back Antonio Silva - a breakthrough star at Benfica this season - made his competitive debut last time out. Pepe, who is more than double the 19-year-old's age, is more likely to partner Dias against the Swiss.

Following his impressive performance versus South Korea and a string of sharp displays for Manchester United this term, Diogo Dalot may be retained, which would see Raphael Guerreiro feature at left-back. An alternative option on the left, Nuno Mendes, was ruled out of the remainder of the finals last week.

Meanwhile, Joao Mario could be the man to make way for the returning Felix, who adds a touch of daring and invention to the Portuguese forward line; Milan winger Rafael Leao remains consigned to the bench.

Otavio is expected to return from injury, and Santos will also bring in William Carvalho to bolster a midfield led by Bruno Fernandes.

Portugal possible starting lineup: Costa; Dalot, Pepe, Dias, Guerreiro; B. Silva, Carvalho, Otavio; Fernandes; Felix, Ramos

> Click here to see how Switzerland could line up for this last-16 contest