Portugal vs Uzbekistan Predicted Lineups & Team News

Portugal return to action on Tuesday at Houston Stadium knowing that anything less than victory against Uzbekistan will dent their hopes of winning Group K.

Will Portugal's record goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo keep his place after a lacklustre showing against DR Congo? Let’s investigate with team news from both camps, key players and Predicted Lineups ahead of Portugal vs Uzbekistan.

Portugal

Portugal's players and coach came in for a torrent of criticism from fans and media alike following their disappointing 1-1 draw with DR Congo on Wednesday.

Roberto Martínez's side made the perfect start through Joao Neves' header, but they failed to build on it and Yoane Wissa's equaliser left Portugal sitting third in Group K.

Much of the post-match scrutiny has centred on Ronaldo, with the 41-year-old failing to register a shot on target or significantly influence the game in 90 minutes on the pitch.

Martinez, who is a potential candidate to coach Al-Nassr after the World Cup, is expected to keep faith with his captain, but changes elsewhere are likely.

Ruben Dias has returned to training and should reclaim his place in central defence alongside Renato Veiga with Tomas Araujo, who was booked in the opening game, dropping out.

Francisco Trincao and Francisco Conceicao are pushing to replace Bernardo Silva on the right, with the Juventus winger slightly ahead because of his impressive cameo against the Congolese.

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan's World Cup debut began with a 3-1 defeat to Colombia, but Fabio Cannavaro's side had some good moments - most notably their historic first World Cup goal, scored by Abbosbek Fayzullaev.

The Istanbul Basaksehir attacker shone the brightest and will form a major part of Cannavaro's counter-attacking strategy against the Portuguese.

There could be a change in defence, though, with left-sided centre-back Rustamjon Ashurmatov a doubt after coming off against Colombia with a calf issue.

He was caught out for the first Colombian goal and had a hand in their second when his throw-in led to the breakaway finished off by Luis Diaz.

Jakhongir Urozov is on standby to join Manchester City's Abdukodir Khusanov at the back.

Remember you can bet on this match and check out all of the live Portugal vs Uzbekistan Odds over on betfred.com

Bruno Fernandes (Portugal)

The Manchester United star has been his country's most creative outlet in the last two qualifying campaigns, creating 29 chances on the road to Euro 2024 and adding a further 21, which was 10 more than any other player, in the build-up to this tournament.

His chance-creation rate was off the scale in the Premier League last season and he will be at the heart of everything Portugal try to do to break down an anticipated Uzbek low block.

Finding space between the lines will be the key as Otabek Shukurov and the Uzbek midfield attempt to deny him time, because if Fernandes is allowed to turn and pick passes, Portugal will carve out chances for Ronaldo and the wide men.

Crowding him out is Uzbekistan's best hope of staying in the game.

Abbosbek Fayzullaev (Uzbekistan)

Twenty-year-old winger Fayzullaev made history with Uzbekistan's first World Cup goal and remains their most dynamic attacking outlet.

He showed superb instincts in sniffing out the chance when club teammate Eldor Shomurodov struck the volley which Colombian keeper Camilo Vargas only half-saved.

Fayzullaev is reported to be on the radar of Liverpool and you can see why as he is constantly on the move.

He will need to show his defensive capabilities in this game as Portugal's full-backs will push forward and his battle with Nuno Mendes could be one to watch.

For all of our coverage and betting markets for the festival of football this summer, please check out our World Cup Odds over on betfred.com