Cristiano Ronaldo benched for Nations League clash versus Scotland

Prior to Portugal's group stage match versus Scotland inside the Estadio do Benfica in Lisbon on Sunday, Cristiano Ronaldo was left off of the starting lineup. However, manager Roberto Martinez has selected the 39-year-old as a substitute. This comes as a surprise as the Al-Nassr forward was on the scoresheet for the country during their previous game against Croatia. 

In their UEFA Nations League match of Group A, Portugal will play Scotland. The clash between the two footballing titans appears to be an interesting matchup as they battle for an early advantage in the league rankings. Fans can expect a competitive and exciting match as both teams are eager to get off to a fast start and show off their skills.

After putting an end to all the whispers about his potential retirement from the national team, Ronaldo was anticipated to start. In the most recent game, he netted his 900th goal throughout his career versus Croatia. 

Portugal XI vs Scotland: Diogo Costa, Nelson Semedo, Ruben Dias, Antonio Silva, Nuno Mendes, Bernardo Silva, Joao Palhinha,  Pedro Neto, Diogo Jota, Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao

Substitutes: Jose Sa, Silva, Diogo Dalot, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pedro Gonclaves, Joao Felix, Veiga, Nuno Santos, Ruben Neves, Trincao, Joao Neves, Quenda

How do Scotland line-up against Portugal today?

Throughout the whole Euros, Scotland adhered strictly to a 5-4-1 formation. When Steve Clarke refused to change from the setup that resulted in boring and uninspired play, he came under fire. Because the midfield four essentially worked in a box, there was minimal width and all opportunities had to go through the middle.

The set-up needed talented players with cutting passes in the latter third to accomplish this. Even though John McGinn and Scott McTominay are elite players for two elite European teams, that isn't a tool in their toolbox. Their physique and tendency to fit into boxes are their primary characteristics; they lack the imagination necessary for the role.

Scotland XI vs Portugal: Angus Gunn, Anthony Ralston, Grant Hanley, Scott McKenna, Andrew Robertson, Billy Gilmour, Kenny McLean, Ryan Christie, Scott McTominay, Lyndon Dykes