Belgium vs Portugal: Predicted lineups for Euro 2020 round of 16 tie

Belgium go up against Portugal on Sunday in what should be a cracking Euro 2020 round of 16 tie between the two pre-tournament favourites. 

Belgium showed their immense quality during the Euro 2020 group stage, winning all three of their matches to cruise to the knockout phase. Their reward is a mouth-watering round of 16 tie against defending European champions Portugal, who squeaked through to the last 16 after finishing third in Group F.

The tournament so far has been a bit of a mixed bag for Portugal. But with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring goals for fun, they will fancy their chances of hurting the Belgium defence. Both teams are filled with world class players in nearly every position, and we could be in for quite a battle on Sunday.

Belgium vs Portugal: Predicted starting lineups for Euro 2020 clash

Belgium will likely go with the 3-4-2-1 formation that has worked so well for them over the years. Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen will likely return to the starting XI, along with Borussia Dortmund duo Thomas Meunier and Thorgan Hazard. Axel Witsel should shore up the midfield, with Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard providing the creative spark.

Belgium’s attack will be led by Romelu Lukaku, who has already found the net three times in the competition.

Portugal will likely stick with their 4-3-3 formation. Rúben Dias and Pepe should line up as the two centre-backs once again, with Raphael Guerreiro and Nélson Semedo in the full-back roles. It will be interesting to see which players get the nod to start in midfield. Renato Sanches could be joined by Danilo Pereira and João Moutinho. While Cristiano Ronaldo will start up front, with Diogo Jota and Bernardo Silva providing support in attack.

Belgium: Courtois – Alderweireld, Boyata, Vertonghen – Meunier, De Bruyne, Witsel, T. Hazard – Mertens, Lukaku, E. Hazard

Portugal: Patrício – Semedo, Dias, Pepe, Guerreiro – Danilo, Sanches, Moutinho – B. Silva, Cristiano, Jota