Portugal vs. Croatia - prediction, team news, lineups

Preview

The European Championship round of 16 gets underway on Saturday, as defending champions Portugal take on Croatia. The two teams played out a thrilling 3-3 draw in the group stages of Euro 2016, and another close encounter is expected this time around.

Portugal Team News

• Cristiano Ronaldo is available for selection after missing Portugal's final group game with a minor injury.
• Bernardo Silva and Diogo Jota are also expected to start, having impressed in the group stages.
• Pepe is a doubt for the game with a knock, but Ruben Dias is expected to be fit.

Croatia Team News

• Luka Modric is expected to start for Croatia, despite carrying a knock.
• Mateo Kovacic is also expected to feature, having recovered from a calf injury.
• Ivan Perisic is a doubt for the game with a hamstring injury, but Ante Rebic is expected to be fit.

Prediction

This is a tough game to call, but Portugal will be slight favorites. They have more quality in attack, and they will be looking to Ronaldo to inspire them. Croatia are a dangerous side, however, and they will be looking to Modric to create chances for them. A close game is expected, and it could go either way.

Lineups

Portugal: Patricio; Semedo, Dias, Pepe, Guerreiro; Moutinho, Danilo, Fernandes; Bernardo Silva, Ronaldo, Jota Croatia: Livakovic; Vrsaljko, Lovren, Vida, Barisic; Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic; Rebic, Kramaric, Perisic