Portugal vs North Macedonia: Prediction, kick off time, TV, live stream, team news and h2h results

Portugal will be hoping to avoid a huge upset when they face North Macedonia for a place at the 2022 World Cup.

While on paper, Cristiano Ronaldo’s side are huge favourites, the fact their opponents conquered Italy in Palermo on Thursday night makes this a potential banana skin. Italy had 32 shots in the match but could not breach the North Macedonian defence.

Indeed, for all the quality Portugal boast, they have been prone to the odd slip-up here and there, with Euro 2016-winning coach Fernando Santos coming under huge pressure for his inability to truly make the most of his attacking talent.

For North Macedonia, this is somewhat of a free-hit. Growing on the international stage, they are a dangerous opponent in their own right but can afford to frustrate the home side before looking for a counter-punch, much as they did against the Italians.

Here’s everything you need to know about the game.

The World Cup play-off final is scheduled for a 7.45pm BST kick-off time on Tuesday March 29, 2022.

The Estadio do Dragao in Porto will host.

TV channel: The game will be broadcast on Sky Sports Action.

Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers will be able to watch the game via the Sky Go app.

Experienced defender Pepe has returned to train after missing Portugal’s win over Turkey following a positive Covid test. Joao Cancelo is back from suspension and should replace Diogo Dalot in the starting line-up.

Otavio is expected to partner Ronaldo and Diogo Jota in attack, with Jose Fonte pairing alongside Pepe in defence.

For North Macedonia, Eljif Elmas and Tihomir Kostadinov return from suspension and could come back into the side.

However, the visitors may decide to keep the faith with the side that produced a famous win over the