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Portugal start their UEFA Euro 2020 qualification campaign against Ukraine as the reigning champions hope to be the early pace setters in Group B. Portugal have been putting in strong displays in recent ukraine match prediction, and their performances were rewarded with a triumph at the last edition of the European Championships held in France. Their resolve was tested during the UEFA Nations League, and Portugal did not disappoint.

The team won their group and that at least guarantees them a place in the playoffs should they fail in their Group B endeavours. More importantly, all eyes will be on Portugal’s star men who have been performing admirably for their respective clubs. The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernando Silva will have the spotlight ready for them, with the Juventus star, in particular, putting up ageless displays and back from his international hiatus. Portugal the perfect start in their qualifying group? Their opponents, Ukraine have been in decent form as well.

Pitted against Slovakia and Czech Republic in their UEFA Nations League group, the Ukrainians did well to earn promotion to League A. Andriy Shevchenko and his team will, however, realise that the challenges ahead in the Euro qualifiers will be their next major hurdle, starting with Portugal. Ukraine will be hopeful of a top two finish in this group, considering their form in the last year as well as the opponents in their group apart from Portugal. If Shevchenko’s men perform at their highest level and try to earn a result against Portugal, they will feel confident about their chances as the group progresses.

Tactics Portugal Fernando Santos would be a relieved man knowing that he can again count on the returning Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite the Juventus superstar’s absence from the national side since the World Cup, Santos’ side have performed well. But, the talisman’s return will be a boost, and he should slot straight into the starting lineup. There are some new faces in the Portuguese squad for the qualifiers. Benfica wonderkid Joao Felix could make his debut for the national side, while there are places in the squad for Wolves forward Diogo Jota and SC Braga ace Dyego Sousa.

However, Sporting Lisbon star Bruno Fernandes has withdrawn from the squad through injury. One more familiar face who will start is Bernando Silva, who is expected to play on the right side of attack for Portugal despite excelling in a central midfield role for his club Manchester City. Additionally, there could be a place from the start for Mario Rui who played most Nations League games at left-back, meaning regular incumbent Raphael Guerreiro could move into a more advanced position. Ukraine Andriy Shevchenko added Brazilian-born Junior Moraes to his squad the day after the 31-year old was granted a Ukrainian passport.