(Football news) The UEFA Nations League 2022/23 has kicked off and the first big clash is already here. Spain will host Portugal at the Benito Villamarin in the Group 2 match. Portugal and Spain are in a group with Czech Republic and Switzerland. The finals of the tournament will be played in June 2023 and the first placed team in all the groups will qualify. Spain and Portugal have a huge footballing rivalry at the international scene which makes the contest even more exciting.

Spain will be without Aymeric Laporte who is struggling with a knee injury while Pedri is yet to recover from his hamstring injury. David De Gea has had a good personnel season with Manchester United but he still isn't called up by Luis Enrique. There is still no place for Nacho who has had an incredible season with Real Madrid while his teammate Marco Asensio has been called up despite significantly less game time. Eric Garcia is in the squad despite his torrid time at Barcelona while Thiago could miss the game after a long season with Liverpool. 

Portugal will once again be without Ruben Diaz who is injured. Cristiano Ronaldo will lead the line while Diogo Jota is likely to be upfront with him. Fernando Santos chose Diogo Costa as the goalkeeper in the World Cup qualifier playoffs. It will be interesting to see if he still sticks with him ahead of Rui Patricio and Jose Sa. Joao Cancelo and Raphael Guerrero are likely to start as fullbacks and the pair will be very important for Portugal. 

Spain possible playing XI:

Simon; Azpilicueta, Eric Garcia, Pau Torres, Alba; Busquets, Koke, Gavi; Morata, Ferran Torres, Fati

Portugal possible playing XI:

Patricio; Cancelo, Pepe, Danilo, Guerreiro; Fernandes, Moutinho, Bernardo; Otavio, Ronaldo, Jota
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Portugal's defence especially without Ruben Diaz will be extremely vulnerable. Spain will possess a significant threat if they are allowed to have loads of possession. The midfield trio of Bruno Fernandes, Joao Moutinho and Bernardo Silva will be very crucial for Portugal as they will have to try and control the tempo of the game. The experienced Spanish midfield of Busquets and Koke are very well versed in dominating the centre of the park while Gavi will provide a lot of energy. The battle between old teammates Pepe and Alvaro Morata will be a very interesting one.

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