The Portugal national team has welcomed its leader Cristiano Ronaldo after his family vacation in Saudi Arabia. They’ve flown to Slovenia to face their NT in an international friendly at the Stadion Stozice in Ljubljana on Tuesday. Notably, this friendly clash marks the first-ever meeting of these two sides. Slovenia will hope to hand Roberto Martinez his first loss as Portuguese boss.

Though Slovenia will have an effervescent home crowd to back them while being unbeaten in their last 8 home games, Martinez’s squad has been quite ruthless on the road lately. They’ve won their last 5 away games without conceding a goal and are on an 11-game winning streak. Let’s take a look at the expected lineups and injury updates from the two camps ahead of this match.

Portugal vs Slovenia: Injuries and Expected Lineups, Will Ronaldo start tonight?

Portugal injuries

Portuguese goalie, Diogo Costa missed the team’s last friendly against Sweden because of an injury and will probably miss the tie against Slovenia as well. This game will see eight Portugal players in the squad who missed out on the team’s 5-2 win over Sweden.

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Cancelo, missed Barcelona’s clash with Atletico Madrid last weekend due to concerns over a potential heart problem. But tests showed no issue, and he could be involved.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Dalot, Joao Cancelo, Danilo Pereira, Otavio, Ruben Neves, Vitinha and Joao Felix are expected to make the squad. They will replace Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Joao Palhinha, Nelson Semedo, Toti Gomes, Rafael Leao, Bruno Fernandes and Goncalo Ramos who are expected to rest. This highlights the strength in depth and resources at Roberto Martinez’s disposal.

Portugal’s expected starting XI

(4-3-3): Costa; Diogo Dalot, Pepe, A Silva, Joao Cancelo; Danilo, Ruben Neves, Vitinha; Otavio, Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix.

Slovenia injuries

Slovenia’s NT will have to sideline their left winger Benjamin Verbic because of a fitness-related concern. Matjaz Kek will look to field a strong side at home to one of the contenders for the summer Euros.

Sesko and his strike partner Andraz Sporar both scored against Malta last time out and will likely feature again. Nino Zuglej could earn his first cap for the country, but otherwise, it could be more or less the same team that drew 2-2 with Malta.

Slovenia: expected starting XI

(4-4-2): Jan Oblak; Jure Balkovec, Jaka Bijol, Vanja Drkusic, Petar Stojanovic; Jan Mlakar, Jasmin Kurtic, Adam Gnezda Cerin, Tomi Horvat; Benjamin Sesko, Andraz Sporar.

Portugal and Slovenia’s recent form

Portugal have a 100% win rate under Roberto Martinez. They have won all 11 games under him. Portugal comprehensively won its last friendly against Sweden on March 21. Despite missing Ronaldo, the 2016 UEFA Euro Champions beat Sweden 5-2 in their last outing with goals from Rafael Leao, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Nunes, Bruma and Goncalo Ramos.

Meanwhile, have been on an impressive run of their own. They have won 7 out of their last 11 games and have lost just two of their last five games. However, in their last match, they needed a late goal against Malta to salvage 2-2 draw.

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Prediction

In their first-ever meeting in a soccer game, Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. boast better form than the hosts-Slovenia. Besides, the away side’s attacking prowess peaked without CR7 in their last game. Now, with the captain in their mix, Martinez’s side looks poised to have the better of the hosts. Therefore, we predict Portugal to win 3-1 against Slovenia.

Where to watch Ronaldo and Co. in action?

The game will kick off at 3.45 PM ET/12.45 PM PT on March 26. Fans in the US can live stream it for free on Fubo.

Tell us your predictions for this friendly in the comments below.

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