The final round of this year’s UEFA Nations League sees Portugal welcome their close neighbours Spain to the Estadio Municipal de Braga, with both sides looking for a result that will see them go top the group.
Portugal have had a strong calendar year so far, and they are first in group 2A after the first five games.
Although they did lose to Switzerland in matchday 4 of the competition, the Portuguese have been impressive at both ends of the field, knocking four past the Swiss without reply in their second group contest, before going on to do exactly the same against Czech Republic last Saturday.
Spain have had a mixed batch of results so far this campaign, including draws to both tonight’s hosts and Czech Republic. Their 22-game unbeaten run at home was also broken last weekend with a 2-1 defeat to Switzerland, thanks to goals from Akanji and Embolo, which leaves them two points behind Portugal ahead of their encounter.
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Both sides will be coming into this clash treating it as a final, as they will know the winner takes all, but Portugal’s recent record against the Spaniards will give Fernando Santos’ side confidence.
Spain haven’t won a game in their neighbour’s backyard since 2003, and Cristiano Ronaldo and his men won’t intend for that to change tonight.
Here is everything you need to know about this evening’s clash.
Portugal vs Spain TV Channel and live stream
For UK viewers, the game will be shown live on BoxNation, as part of the Premier Sports package. The game can also be streamed via the Premier Player.
Portugal vs Spain Kick-off time
Portugal vs Spain will kick-off at 7:45pm BST at the Estádio Municipal de Braga in Braga, Portugal
Spain vs Portugal Team News
After such an impressive display last time out, Santos will be hesitant to change too much considering the scale of the clash.
However, Joao Cancelo has returned from his suspension and it is likely he will slide straight back into the starting line-up, with either Diego Dalot or Nuno Mendes making way if this were to be the case.
Dani Carvajal was given a rest on the weekend, but it is likely he will start ahead of Cesar Azpilicueta tonight.
Given the short turnaround, the Barcelona midfield trio of Busquets, Gavi and Pedri could be broken up, with Rodri coming in to replace one of them.
Topics: Portugal, Spain, UEFA Nations League
Ben King