Portugal vs Serbia - 5 things to watch out for in the enticing Group A encounter | 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers

#3 Fernando Santos must start Diogo Jota

Jota struck twice against Serbia in the reverse fixture

Portugal manager Fernando Santos kept Diogo Jota on the bench against Ireland to prevent the Liverpool star from getting a suspension. That's because Jota was just one booking away from one.

However, n their final qualifying game against Serbia, the Portugal manager must go all-out. Among the raft of expected changes, he must start Jota.

Though he did not entirely disappoint, Goncalo Guedes failed to offer anything meaningful going forward in the last game. Jota has struck four times, and made two assists in these qualifiers. He could pose a huge threat to Serbia's defence, thanks to his movement and eye for passing.

With Bernardo Silva also expected to feature on the right wing, the 24-year-old Jota could also be an excellent foil for Ronaldo. The Portugal captain is likely to start in the centre of a three-pronged attack again.

---

#2 History is not on Serbia's side

Serbia are looking for their first-ever victory over Portugal.

In seven games between these two sides, Serbia have never beaten Portugal, drawing four times and losing thrice.

In the reverse fixture back in March, the Eagles produced a memorable comeback, wiping out a 2-0 deficit to hold the Selecao in a four-goal thriller. That shows that Dragan Stojkovic's side are no pushovers, and can give even the mightiest of sides a run for their money on their day.

However, in a game of this magnitude, a draw won't be enough to secure them a direct qualification. A win is a must, as Portugal are currently ahead of them on goal difference.

It remains to be seen if Serbia are able to win at the home of the Euro 2016 champions to seal a direct qualification berth at Portugal's expense.

---

#1 Ronaldo vs Mitrovic - Clash of two prolific marksmen

Ronaldo and Mitrovic are the leading scorers for Portugal and Serbia in the ongoing qualifiers.

We started with goals, and now, we'll end the list with goals. And what better players than two of the most prolific marksmen of Portugal and Serbia?

Cristiano Ronaldo and Aleksandar Mitrovic were the two highest scorers in their Euro 2020 qualifying group. The Portugal no.7 scored 11 times, while Fulham's prolific striker netted ten.

Now, they're once again the leading scorers in Group A, with six and seven goals to their names, respectively.

It's a no-brainer both these players will be the focal point of their teams when they go head-to-head. With goals galore expected in this fixture, both might end up on the scoresheet again.