Portugal boss Paulo Bento is expected to take a risk on star man Cristiano Ronaldo for tomorrow's World Cup Group G clash against Germany.

The Real Madrid forward has been struggling with both tendonitis and a thigh problem over the last two months, while his involvement in training has been sporadic.

However, it understood that the Ballon d'Or holder will feature from the onset on Monday as Portugal attempt to get their campaign off to a winning start.

Germany are currently on an 11-match unbeaten run in all competitions and breezed through their European qualification section for this summer's tournament, with nine wins and one draw leaving them eight points clear of second-placed Sweden.

It was Sweden that Portugal met in the playoffs after finishing second in their own qualification group, but Ronaldo inspired his side to an incredible 3-2 win in the second leg.

Portugal have also been on a strong run of form, however, with their last defeat occurring last September, when they were beaten 3-1 by Brazil in a friendly.

Germany have doubts over the fitness of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira, meaning that Philipp Lahm should come into a central midfield role.

The loss of Marco Reus shortly before the tournament also opens up a spot in the attack, with Lukas Podolski the favourite to operate behind Thomas Muller, who should start ahead of Miroslav Klose.

Benedikt Howedes, meanwhile, is expected to get the nod at left-back ahead of Erik Durm.

Aside from Ronaldo, Portugal boss Bento has a clean bill of health for the clash. His back four is expected to include two Champions League winners in Pepe and Fabio Coentrao.

Meanwhile, the early indications are that Hugo Almeida will start as the centre forward.

Recent form

Germany: WWDDW

Portugal: WWDWW

Possible starting lineups

Germany: Neuer; Boateng, Mertesacker, Hummels, Howedes; Lahm, Kroos; Gotze, Ozil, Podolski; Muller

Portugal: Patricio; Pereira, Pepe, Alves, Coentrao; Meireles, Veloso, Moutinho; Nani, Almeida, Ronaldo

Sports Mole says: 1-1

Written by
Matt Law

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