Portugal Vs Spain: Leicester City duo expected to feature in clash of the heavyweights

Leicester City duo Adrien Silva and Ricardo Pereira could be in action tonight as Portugal face Spain in what could be a gut-wrenching encounter that sets the FIFA World Cup alight.

Venue: Olympic Fisht Stadium

Kick-off: 7 pm BST

Referee: G. Rocchi

Assistants: E. Di Liberatore, M. Tonolini

Fourth official: R. Sato

Fifth official: T. Sgara

Amidst the chaos and the cries of the shambolic situation surrounding Spain, nearly everyone seems to have forgotten the footballing orgasms that the Group B clash can bring alive by virtue of the quality on display.

Julen Lopetegui may have unwillingly become the infamous cynosure ahead of the Iberian Derby – thanks to his fascinating choice of timing to sign Florentino Perez’s agreement of an inevitable sacking later this year – but footballing justice will be served soon, and football be the talking point again.

Form

Portugal have been blowing hot and cold of late. In their last six games, they have managed to beat Algeria, Switzerland and Egypt, but there have been worrying draws against Tunisia and Belgium, and a 3-0 defeat to the Netherlands as well.

Spain, on the other hand, have fallen head over heels for winning again, having not lost a single since their 2-0 loss to Italy in the UEFA European Championship in 2016. How things have changed since.

One to watch (Portugal)

Yes, you’ve guessed it right, it’s Cristiano Ronaldo. In the Real Madrid forward, not only do Portugal have the game’s best big game player, they have someone who is well aware of what the Spaniards are up to.

True, Spain would know more about him than any other team, too, but then again, has there ever been a plan that has worked against an inspired Cristiano?

One to watch (Spain)

Forget about Andres Iniesta, David Silva and Sergio Busquets – it’s time for the Isco Disco. The 26-year old has been getting better and better, being one of the driving forces behind Real Madrid’s third consecutive UEFA Champions League triumph.

The veterans will all be important for the La Furia Roja, yes, but it’s Isco’s ability to make the game mosh to his tunes that looks most likely to make the difference.

Quotes

"“The players are excited, they want this challenge. It’s a challenge for everyone. We have no time to dwell,” said Spain’s newly appointed Fernando Hierro.“I know they’re going to give 100 per cent. In a World Cup nobody gives anything away. We all know what this means and our responsibilities.”"

Meanwhile, Portugal’s Fernando Santos was full of praise for Spain, too, despite Lopetegui’s sacking on the eve of the tournament.

"“It is Spain and Portugal,” he said.“Spain has played like that for 10 years, I don’t think there are going to be any surprises. What is important is the team that plays, and the strategy and no more than that.”“Spain are fantastic opponents. They are highly qualified with a kind of game that has been consolidated over the years and (it) won’t change that radically.”"

Predicted XI

Portugal: Rui Patricio; Raphael Guerreiro, Jose Fonte, Pepe, Cedric; Joao Mario, Joao Moutinho, William, Bernardo Silva; Cristiano Ronaldo, Goncalo Guedes.

Next: Premier League fixtures: Can Claude Puel make it to his first anniversary?

Spain: David De Gea; Jordi Alba, Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Nacho; Sergio Busquets, Thiago Alcantara; Andres Iniesta, Isco, David Silva; Diego Costa.