Scotland vs Portugal: ‘Perfect’ Ronaldo ready to be unleashed at Hampden

HE didn’t play the last time Portugal came to Hampden.

But there’s next to no chance Roberto Martinez leaves Cristiano Ronaldo out when his team take to the pitch in Glasgow.

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The Portugal boss described the Al Nassr star as “perfect” after he bagged his 133rd goal for his country in their 3-1 win over Poland on Saturday night.

He scored the crucial winner against Scotland last time out and Martinez insisted that despite the talisman forward nudging 40, he WILL be asked to lead the line again against Steve Clarke‘s side (although he better watch he doesn’t injure himself on the waterslides…).

Martinez said: “It’s part of managing players when you have two games in 72 hours. Diogo Jota came on very well. Cristiano is perfect.”

For Scotland, the main concern will be bouncing back from a tough defeat to Croatia.

Even if the national team aren’t able to find the three points needed to end their 15-game winless run, a first point of the Nations League campaign at home to a strong Portugal side would set them up well for next month’s closing round of fixtures at home to the Croats and away to Poland.

Here’s all you need to know ahead of the match.

What time does Scotland vs Portugal kick off?

• Scotland vs Portugal will kick off at 7.45pm on Tuesday, October 15
• The match will be played at Hampden Park

Is Scotland vs Portugal on TV and can I live stream it?

• No, Scotland vs Portugal is NOT live on a TV channel in the UK
• But it is available to watch on YouTube
• Viaplay have the rights to the match and will stream it via their YouTube channel
• Fans will also be able to view it on the Scotland national team’s channel

Team news

Clarke has had to deal with a number of injuries for this camp.

Celtic duo Greg Taylor and James Forrest pulled out over the course of the week leading up to the Croatia game, as did Hearts skipper Lawrence Shankland.

Angus Gunn was also forced to withdraw through injury, paving the way for Craig Gordon to return between the sticks.

Those injuries added to issues that had already forced John McGinn, Jack Hendry and Scott McKenna to be unavailable for selection.

Longer-term injuries to Aaron Hickey, Nathan Patterson and Lewis Ferguson have troubled Clarke for a while.

For Portugal, Sporting Lisbon centre-back Gonçalo Inácio had to withdraw from their squad but other than that it may just be a case of resting certain starters for Martinez such as Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes and Ruben Neves.

Latest odds*

SCOTLAND 4/1

Draw 10/3

Portugal 4/7

*Latest odds courtesy of PaddyPower and correct as of 9am on Monday, October 15.

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