Gareth Bale and his Wales outfit will face a Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal as the sides clash in the semi-finals of Euro 2016 on Wednesday.
Wales booked their place in the penultimate round of the competition when they ousted a star-studded Belgium side in the quarter-finals. Portugal, meanwhile, edged Poland on penalties to assure their spot.
The Welsh will be without left back Ben Davies for the tie, while star midfielder Aaron Ramsey is also suspended; which constitutes a massive miss for the Dragons.
Portugal, meanwhile, is likely to be without injured midfielder Andre Gomes for the tie, while key centre back Pepe is an additional worry following a hamstring complaint. Holding midfielder William Carvalho, meanwhile, is suspended.
Wales and Portugal have only met three times in footballing histories, with Portugal leading the head-to-head by two wins to one. The last clash between the sides came way back in 2000 when Portugal eased to a 2-0 victory.
The sides’ respective superstars Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo could go a long way to deciding the fixture. The forwards have netted five goals between them in the tournament thus far.
‘I’m not worried about being the ugly duckling or someone who feels sorry for himself,’ said Portugal coach Fernando Santos when asked to comment on Portugal’s style. ‘I’m interested about getting to the final and winning it.’
Meanwhile, Wales coach Chirs Coleman remained unfazed by Wales’ underdog status.
‘We know Portugal are favourites, they have had tournament experience and played at World Cups, and we’ll go into it as underdogs. But that’s no problem at all.’
The match between the sides will be played at Parc Olympique Lyonnais, Lyon.
Kick-off is at 21:00.
Possible lineups:
Wales
Wayne Hennessey, Neil Taylor, James Chester, Ashley Williams, James Collins, Chris Gunter, Joe Ledley, Joe Allen, Andy King, Gareth Bale, Hal Robson-Kanu.
Portugal
Rui Patricio, Cedric, Bruno Alves, Jose Fonte, Raphael Guerreiro, Danilo Pereira, Joao Mario, Renato Sanches, Rafa Silva, Nani, Cristiano Ronaldo.
