PORTUGAL have work to do if they are to book their place at the World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo and co were expected to win their qualifying group comfortably, but came unstuck in their final match against Serbia.
A last minute header from Aleksandar Mitrovic in Lisbon saw the Serbs progress to Qatar and the Portuguese sent to the play-offs.
Opponents Turkey finished second to Netherlands in their group but managed to pip Erling Haaland and Norway to the runners up spot and a play-off place.
The winner of this tie will host Italy or North Macedonia in the play-off final.
Ahead of the match, Portugal head coach Fernando Santos said: “This is one of the most important moments since I became Portugal coach.
“We will be playing for Portugal, the stadium has been sold out for a month, we know the whole country is behind us.
“The focus is total to win and get to the World Cup.”
What time does Portugal vs Turkey kick off?
- Portugal take on Turkey on Thursday, March 24.
- The match kicks off at 7.45pm in the UK and Portugal – 10.45pm in Turkey.
- It takes place at the Estadio do Dragao, Porto.
- The sides last met in 2012, when Turkey picked up a shock 3-1 in a friendly in Lisbon.
What TV channel is Portugal vs Turkey on and can I live stream it?
- Portugal vs Turkey is live on Sky Sports Premier League.
- Coverage commences at 7.40pm – five minutes before kick-off.
- To stream the game live, head to Sky Go or Now TV.
Team news
Portugal
Man City’s Ruben Dias is Portugal’s only major absentee for Portugal.
Sporting’s Goncalo Inacio has been called up in his place.
Fernando Santos has also kept the faith with Rui Patricio despite an error against Serbia.
Jose Sa doesn’t make the squad despite having an excellent season at Wolves so far.
Portugal squad
Goalkeepers: Anthony Lopes (Lyon), Diogo Costa (Porto), Rui Patrício (Roma)
Defenders: Cédric Soares (Arsenal), João Cancelo (Manchester City), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting), José Fonte (Lille), Pepe (Porto), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund)
Midfielders: Danilo Pereira (PSG), Matheus Nunes (Sporting), William Carvalho (Real Betis), Rúben Neves (Wolves), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), João Moutinho (Wolves), Otávio Monteiro (Porto), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
Forwards: João Félix (Atlético Madrid), André Silva (RB Leipzig), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Diogo Jota (Liverpool), Gonçalo Guedes (Valencia), Rafael Leão (AC Milan)
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Latest odds
To win in 90 minutes
Portugal 1/3
Draw 4/1
Turkey 15/2
To qualify for the play-off final
Portugal 1/8
Turkey 5/1
*Odds from Betfair correct as of Sunday, March 20
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk