Portugal Aims to Secure UEFA Nations League Quarter-Final Spot Against Poland

Portugal is set to host Poland at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto on Friday, November 15, in a crucial UEFA Nations League match. Roberto Martinez’s Portugal, currently unbeaten and top of Group A1, needs just a point to ensure their place in the knockout stages of the competition[3][5].

The match kicks off at 7:45 PM local time (2:45 PM ET in the US), and it will be broadcast on various platforms, including Fubo Sports Network in the US, ViaPlay International’s YouTube channel in the UK, and Optus Sport in Australia[3][5].

Portugal’s defense will have an unfamiliar look due to the absence of key players. With Pepe retired and Ruben Dias and Goncalo Inacio injured, young defenders like Antonio Silva and either Tomás Araújo or Tiago Djaló are expected to start. Nuno Mendes is likely to retain his position at left-back despite the impressive form of Nuno Tavares[2].

Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been in good form with six goals and two assists for his club Al Nassr, will lead the attack for Portugal. The team is predicted to line up in a 4-3-3 formation with Ronaldo supported by Rafael Leao and Pedro Neto on the wings[2][4].

Poland, on the other hand, is struggling for form and will be without their captain and top scorer Robert Lewandowski, who is out with a back injury. Other key players like Arkadiusz Milik, Kacper Kozlowski, and Pawel Dawidowicz are also injured. Poland needs at least four points from their final two matches to have any chance of qualifying for the finals[2][4].

Historically, Poland has not fared well against Portugal, having not won a match since 2002. However, they will aim to put up a strong fight to keep their qualification hopes alive[4][6].