Who might get a call-up? - Fernando Santos set to announce Portugal's squad for three October matches
Having previously been starved of international fixtures throughout 2020, we finally got to watch Portugal back in action in September - and just a month on from the last international break, another is arriving, with Portugal set for three intriguing battles over the coming couple of weeks.
A friendly fixture against friendly rivals Spain is followed by clashes with world champions France and perennial competitors Sweden in the UEFA Nations League in what will be a hectic 8-day window starting on the 7th October as Portugal look to make a statement against Spain before continuing their efforts to retain their Nations League crown.
But who could make Fernando Santos’ squad this time? Just one month on from the squad which saw Barcelona’s new star Francisco Trincao receive a debut call-up alongside Granada shot-stopper Rui Silva, could we see some more fresh faces break into Santos’ plans?
The likely goalkeepers
Rui Patricio, Anthony Lopes, Rui Silva.
Unlikely to see any change in this department. Anthony Lopes started both of Portugal’s last matches as he was handed his first competitive outings for the senior national team, with undisputed number one Rui Patricio forced to the bench. It is likely that the Wolves shot-stopper will come back into the side for this international break though, with France likely to pose more of a threat than both Croatia and Sweden. Rui Silva should then maintain his place in the squad - and may even get a debut appearance against Spain in the friendly as Santos surely has one eye on the other two games on the horizon.
The likely defenders
Ruben Dias, Pepe, Jose Fonte, Ruben Semedo, Joao Cancelo, Nelson Semedo, Raphael Guerreiro, Mario Rui.
Unlikely to see much, if any, change at the back, either. Ruben Dias, who has just completed a big-money move to Manchester City, will certainly keep his place at the heart of defence alongside veteran Pepe, while Jose Fonte should act as the perfect backup. The only question mark is regarding the other centreback to be given a call-up. Domingos Duarte was the chosen one last time, but with Ruben Semedo fully fit and back from injury, there is a good chance that he will take over here. There should be no change at fullback. Wolves’ new boy Nelson Semedo will be battling alongside Joao Cancelo to start on the right, while Raphael Guerreiro has locked down the left side of defence, with Mario Rui deputising.
The likely midfielders
Danilo Pereira, Ruben Neves, William Carvalho, Joao Moutinho, Renato Sanches, Andre Gomes, Bruno Fernandes.
A small, but significant, change is anticipated in midfield, with the great news for Portugal being the return of William Carvalho to first-team action - and what a way to mark his return, with two goals in two, including a thunderbolt volley in Real Betis’ season opener. He should be back in the squad, and surely straight back into the starting XI. Renato Sanches is also back available, and should be selected by Santos after having to withdraw from the last squad due to injury. The addition of this quality duo does mean that Sergio Oliveira would likely have to drop out though.
The likely forwards
Diogo Jota, Bernardo Silva, Francisco Trincao, Goncalo Guedes, Joao Felix, Cristiano Ronaldo, Andre Silva.
A little more challenging to predict the forwards that will get a call-up, but there’s a very strong chance that it will be the same seven names as last time. It would be harsh for Daniel Podence to miss out after a strong start to the season for Wolves, but it is difficult to see any of the others miss out. The only possible omission is Goncalo Guedes, though he is a bit of a favourite for Fernando Santos. But if Daniel Podence is called up, it will likely be in Guedes’ place.
Only two players based in Portugal…
If this squad proves to be 100% accurate, it would mean that only two players from the 25-man squad are actually based in Portugal - never before have Portugal called up such a low number of players plying their trade in their home country.
After Ruben Dias’ move to Manchester City, the number of Portugal-based players in last month’s squad dropped to three, and with Sergio Oliveira predicted to be dropped, that number only reduces further to two.
The two Portuguese players in this predicted squad are Pepe and Danilo Pereira, both of whom are currently on the books of FC Porto. It therefore also means that not a single Benfica player would be called up for the first time in many years, and is a startling indication of how Portuguese players have moved across the continent in such significant numbers to some of the most illustrious leagues in the world.
If Benfica were to get any call-ups to the latest squad, Rafa Silva and Pizzi are perhaps best placed to do so, but neither have really done enough so far this season to warrant getting picked ahead of the rest.
Sporting also have no players included in this hypothetical squad, which is becoming an increasingly familiar sight. Should a Sporting player be included, perhaps Jovane Cabral, Nuno Mendes and Pedro Goncalves are best placed to make it.
