Portugal vs Turkey: Live stream, TV channel, team news, kick-off time – World Cup 2022 play-off build-up

PORTUGAL have given themselves a mountain to climb to book their place at the World Cup.

They take on Turkey at home and will follow that up with a potential final against European champions Italy if they win.

GettyCristiano Ronaldo will have to get through the play-off if he wants to reach what is likely to be his final World Cup[/caption]

PATurkey will be looking to spring a surprise against Portugal[/caption]

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.

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.

Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa was initially overlooked by Santos for this game despite a fantastic season at Molineux.

But he has now been added to the squad following an injury to Lyon’s Anthony Lopes.

Portugal squad

Goalkeepers: Jose Sa (Wolves), 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.

Veteran Burak Yilmaz is expected to lead the line at the age of 36.

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

What they said

Portugal manager Fernando Santos: “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.”

Turkey manager Stefan Kuntz: “We have a good defence and good midfield. As a team, we will have to take the field with courage.

“We have to believe in ourselves. They have to beat us.

“If you are riding on a wave. If the wave is there, you have to get on top of it and surf…

“There are also things you can’t control, so you need a little luck too.

“However, no matter what, we have to make sure that from the first touch, we have to make them say, ‘This match will not be easy.’

“When you start the match, you have to play like a child.

“You want to go out on the field and play football…

“It’s important to be able to do what’s in your mind and heart against an opponent like Portugal. You should have fun playing.”