Wan-Bissaka's flank is where this game gets decided
DR Congo line up five at the back — and one of them has Pedro Neto to handle.
DR Congo have set up in a 5-3-2. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Steve Kapuadi and Arthur Masuaku form the back line — that's a lot of bodies between the posts. The plan reads clear: stay compact, then break through Cédric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa.
The danger lands on Wan-Bissaka's side, where Pedro Neto starts wide for Portugal. Neto scored in the most recent outing, a 2-1 win over Nigeria, and he's the man asking the first questions. Behind him, Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha thread a midfield in the 4-2-3-1, with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the line.
Portugal have won four of their last five, their matches the more open of the two. DR Congo's recent nights have stayed lower-scoring — handy for a team soaking up pressure, far less so when chasing. Bookmakers make Portugal clear favourites, and the look of this one suggests they're right.
Written and fact-checked by our AI preview desk from live match data. Refreshed as kickoff nears.
