PORTUGAL have work to do if they're to book their place at the World Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo and co were expected to win their qualifying group comfortably, but came unstuck in their final match against Serbia.

A last minute header from Aleksandar Mitrovic in Lisbon saw the Serbs progress to Qatar and the Portuguese sent to the play-offs.

Opponents Turkey finished second to Netherlands in their group but managed to pip Erling Haaland and Norway to the runners up spot and a play-off place.

The winner of this tie will host Italy or North Macedonia in the play-off final.

Ahead of the match, Portugal head coach Fernando Santos said: “This is one of the most important moments since I became Portugal coach.

“We will be playing for Portugal, the stadium has been sold out for a month, we know the whole country is behind us.

"The focus is total to win and get to the World Cup.”

What time does Portugal vs Turkey kick off?

• Portugal take on Turkey on Thursday, March 24.
• The match kicks off at 7.45pm in the UK and Portugal – 10.45pm in Turkey.
• It takes place at the Estadio do Dragao, Porto.
• The sides last met in 2012, when Turkey picked up a shock 3-1 in a friendly in Lisbon.

What TV channel is Portugal vs Turkey on and can I live stream it?

• Portugal vs Turkey is live on Sky Sports Premier League.
• Coverage commences at 7.40pm – five minutes before kick-off.
• To stream the game live, head to Sky Go or Now TV.

Team news

Portugal

Portugal have been hit with a mega blow as their two first choice centre-backs are out of this one.

Man City's Ruben Dias is injured, with Sporting's Goncalo Inicio called up in his place.

And Pepe has been ruled out after testing positive with Covid, meaning Lille's Tiago Djalo has been called up instead.

That means veteran former Southampton and West Ham star Jose Fonte is almost certain to start, with the second starting berth in central defence up for grabs.

But there is no doubt Pepe will be a huge miss, as he also missed out the 2-1 defeat to Serbia through suspension.

Fernando Santos has also kept the faith with Rui Patricio despite an error against the Serbs.

Jose Sa doesn't make the squad despite having an excellent season at Wolves so far.

Portugal squad

Goalkeepers: Anthony Lopes (Lyon), Diogo Costa (Porto), Rui Patrício (Roma)

Defenders: Cédric Soares (Arsenal), João Cancelo (Manchester City), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting), José Fonte (Lille), Tiago Djalo (Lille), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund)

Midfielders: Danilo Pereira (PSG), Matheus Nunes (Sporting), William Carvalho (Real Betis), Rúben Neves (Wolves), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), João Moutinho (Wolves), Otávio Monteiro (Porto), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)

Forwards: João Félix (Atlético Madrid), André Silva (RB Leipzig), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Diogo Jota (Liverpool), Gonçalo Guedes (Valencia), Rafael Leão (AC Milan)

Turkey

Turkey manager Stefan Kuntz has no new injury or suspension worries for this game.

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Latest odds

To win in 90 minutes

Portugal 1/3

Draw 4/1

Turkey 15/2

To qualify for the play-off final

Portugal 1/8

Turkey 5/1

*Odds from Betfair correct as of Sunday, March 20

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