Mitch Freeley

Poland welcomes Euro 2016 winners Portugal to Silesian Stadium on Thursday evening, looking to pick up their first win of the UEFA Nations League. As ever, you will be able to follow the action Live & Exclusive via beIN SPORTS CONNECT.

Thursday evening is set to be a momentous evening for striker Robert Lewandowski is widely expected to be handed his 100th cap for his country. The 30-year old joins a select group for four other centurions and is now only three caps away from becoming the Biało-czerwoni’s all-time leading appearance maker beating defender Michał Żewłakow. Lewandowski is already the leading goal scorer for his country and has 54 goals in 99 appearances. A goal against Portugal would certainly celebrate his centenary in some style.

 New Poland boss Jerzy Brzeczek knows full well that a victory against Italy will push his side to the top of the standings and improve the morale of his squad who failed to impress at Russia 2018. The former Wisła Płock coach is likely to go with a side with a mixture of youth and experience with the likes of Jakub Blaszczykowski, Grzegorz Krychowiak and Kamil Glik all set to feature.

In Krzysztof Piatek Poland arguably have the most deadly striker in Europe in their squad. The 23-year old has been making waves in Serie A, scoring 13 goals in just 8 games for Genoa. The antics of the attacker has ensured an international call-up, and a chance to impress. Piatek is likely to start on the bench, but don’t discount the striker to come on and make the difference against Portugal.

Poland Predicted Team Szczesny; Bereszynski, Glik, Bednarek, Reca; Blaszczykowski, Linetty, Krychowiak, Kurzawa; Zielinski; Lewandowski

How to watch Online – beIN SPORTS CONNECT

Channel- HD 11

Kick- Off – 21:45

Stadium- Silesian Stadium,  Chorzow

As for Portugal, they are targeting back to back Nations League victories to ensure top spot in Group A3. Last time out the Euro 2018 winners edged out Italy 1-0 in their Nations League debut thanks to a strike from Andre Silva just after half-time.

Fernando Santos will be without Cristiano Ronaldo for the game, who has stepped back from the international game for now. The veteran tactician has changed his side accordingly, switching to a 4-3-3 focusing on fast-paced counter-attacking football.

Interestingly, the last three meetings between these two sides have finished level, including their Euro 2016 quarter-final, which Portugal eventually won on penalties. Portugal may have to go on the attack early on to draw their opponents out. Expect Bernardo Silva to play a key role on the counter for his country. In injury news,  Valencia winger Goncalo Guedes will miss out thanks to a thigh injury.

Andre Silva has been on form for new club Sevilla, bagging seven goals in eight La Liga starts as the Andalusians find themselves at the top of the league table. Silva is widely expected to spearhead the Portugal attack on Thursday and don’t be surprised if the 22-year old finds the back of the net for a second consecutive UEFA Nations League game.

Portugal Predicted Team Rui Patricio; Cancelo, Pepe, Dias, Rui; Pizzi, Neves, Sanches; Bernardo Silva, Andre Silva, Gelson Martins

It certainly promises to be an interesting encounter as Poland take on Portugal in the UEFA Nations League. You can watch all the action Live & Exclusive on HD11 & beIN SPORTS CONNECT.