How Portugal could line up for crucial World Cup clash vs Uruguay with 39-year-old Pepe set to start

PORTUGAL head into their clash with Uruguay knowing a win will secure their spot in the knockouts with a game to spare.

Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates survived a late scare to seal a 3-2 victory over Ghana on Thursday.

That was after Uruguay had played out a goalless draw with South Korea in their Group H opener.

The two sides have only ever met once before - and that was at the last World Cup in Russia.

That night belonged to Uruguay, as Edinson Cavani’s double sealed their spot in the quarter-final and sent Portugal packing.

Free agent Ronaldo, who became the first man to score in five World Cups after finding the net against Ghana, is set to start again and will be desperate to add to his tally.

But another veteran seems certain to join him in the starting XI as boss Fernando Santos has a couple of injury worries.

Defender Pepe, 39, will come in at the back for Danilo, who is missing with broken ribs.

He will be tasked with trying to stop Uruguay’s attack, who are searching for their first goal of the tournament.

The South Americans have no new injury issues and are likely to start with the same side, although they could mix it up and put the experienced Cavani in to test Pepe’s ageing legs.

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Porto midfielder Otavio is expected to be out after picking up a thigh injury against Ghana.

He may surprise everyone and make it.

But, if as expected, he does not then William Carvalho is expected to come in.

Rafael Leao could also get the nod for Portugal after coming off the bench and scoring against Ghana, but he is likely to be among the substitutes again with Bruno Fernandes and Joao Felix supporting Ronaldo.

You will be able to keep up with all of the match action with Sun Sport’s live blog from Portugal’s vs Uruguay.