Following a humbling 1-0 defeat at the hands of France in their opening game, Germany know they need a big result in their second match if they’re to get out of their group and make something of Euro 2020.
However, unfortunately for Jogi Low’s side, they now face what many consider to be the real outside contenders for this year’s tournament in Portugal. And the German manager has some serious injury concerns to deal with.
In defence Low will be able to call upon Manuel Neuer between the posts but may need to turn to Emre Can to fill in at centre back, with Matthias Ginter remaining a major doubt for Saturday’s game. Similarly, full-back Lukas Lostermann is now out of the competition with a thigh injury, which should keep Joshua Kimmich in his right wing-back role.
In midfield Germany may have some good news in the shape of Leon Goretzka, who is now fit and ready to start. It remains to be seen whether Low will start the midfielder over Ilkay Gundogan or switch to a midfield trio, but the former seems more likely.
After an ineffective game against France, we’re likely to see Kai Havertz make way for Leroy Sane and Timo Werner to step into the attacking trio in place of the slightly injured Serge Gnabry.
Contrastingly, Portugal are likely to stick with an almost identical starting XI to the one that dispatched a hard-working Hungary in their opening game.
Fernandos Santos is unlikely to change anything in defence, despite calls to swap Pepe for a younger and more athletic alternative. The former Real Madrid star is likely to keep his place alongside Ruben Dias.
In midfield the Portugal manager may be tempted to drop William Carvalho in favour of Joao Moutinho or Renato Sanches, but the other two central spots should remain occupied by Danilo Pereira and Bruno Fernandes.
As such, that then means the front three will also stay the same with Diogo Jota and Bernardo Silva on either wing, with Cristiano Ronaldo up front as the sole goalscorer.
How Portugal and Germany could line up
