Portugal face minnows Luxembourg as they look to seal a place in the UEFA Euro 2020

After a thumping 4-0 win against Lithuania, the Portuguese players return to action against Luxembourg at home. Coach Fernando Santos and his men will look forward to clinch this fixture and strengthen their position in the table.

Surprise call-ups to the squad

Leicester city right-back Ricardo Pereira was called up to the squad in place of Joao Cancelo, who hasn't made much impact after signing for Manchester city this season.

Benfica attacker, Pizzi also earned a place in the squad after impressing in the Premiera liga as he has raked up six goals and two assists in just seven appearances. Lokomotiv Moscow midfielder, Joao Mario returns to the squad after a brief absence.

Striker Andre Silva, who was enduring a tough spell at AC Milan seems to have resurrected his career by sealing a loan move to Eintracht Frankfurt. The Portugal number 9 has scored three goals in four appearances for the club this season.

Above all the players, it's Ruben Semedo's addition to the squad which has raised a few eyebrows. The 25-year old centre back was recently charged for attempted murder,robbery and kidnapping during his stint Spain with Villarreal CF last season. He is still awaiting trial for the crimes and even spent 141 days in custody at a jail in Valencia.

He was released on bond after paying 30,000 US dollars. Currently he now plies his trade for Greek club Olympiakos and his form has been excellent so far as he has three goals to his name in eleven appearances for the club.

The Star Factor

Experienced veteran Pepe returns to the squad after he was ruled out of the qualifiers against Serbia and Lithuania last month. Amidst controversies regarding racism, Bernardo Silva has been named for in the squad for the clash.

In the midfield, the strong presence of William Carvalho and Danilo Pereira will make things difficult for Luxembourg's attackers. Wolves midfield duo of Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho will be pulling the strings from deep midfield.

Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo will provide the necessary firepower for the Selecoes as he looks to form a formidable partnership with Atletico Madrid starlet, Joao Felix. 

The complete squad:

Goalkeepers: Beto (Goztepe), Jose Sa (Olympiakos), Rui Patricio (Wolverhampton).

Defenders: Ricardo Pereira (Leicester), Nelson Semedo (Barcelona), Jose Fonte (Lille), Pepe (FC Porto), Ruben Dias (Benfica), Ruben Semedo (Olympiakos), Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund), Mario Rui(Napoli)

Midfielders: Danilo Pereira (Porto), Ruben Neves(Wolverhampton), William Carvalho (Real Betis), Bruno Fernandes (Sporting), Joao Mario (Lokomotiv), Joao Moutinho (Wolverhampton), Pizzi (Benfica)

Forwards: Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Bruma (PSV), Goncalo Guedes (Valencia), Rafa Silva (Benfica), Andre Silva (Eintracht Frankfurt), Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus), João Félix (Atletico Madrid).

Cover image credits: Getty