Ghana vs Portugal – Preview, head-to-head, kick off time, possible starting XI and channels

Following a brief absence from the World Cup in 2018, Ghana are now back where they belong and are already dreaming of sweet revenge in Group H, with Uruguayan villain Luis Suarez lying in wait 12 years after channelling his inner goalkeeper to prevent the Black Stars from reaching the semi-finals.

The Black prepare for a baptism of fire in Qatar as they prepare for a fourth World Cup appearance since 2006, and only once have the African nation been knocked out at the group stage.

The four-time African champions will commence their journey against 2016 European Champions, Portugal at the Stadium 974.

The Black Stars look physically strong, technically as well. The presence of Tariq Lamptey, Salisu Mohammed and Inaki Williams has given them the hope to deliver.

Ghana qualified for their fourth World Cup after topping their qualifying group, before winning on away goals in a 1-1 aggregate draw over a two-legged play-off with Nigeria. Their best finish came in 2010 when they reached the Quarter Finals, with their last appearance coming in 2014 and this is likely to be quite a tight contest.

Meanwhile, Portugal had to come through the play-offs and this has resulted in a lengthy journey for the European champions. The main focus on Portugal will undoubtedly be on Christian Ronaldo. Even if the domestic form of the Manchester United superstar has been mixed, he has frequently delivered the goods for the national team cannot be argued. The numbers are impressive for the 37-year-old, 191-caps, 117-goals, and with this likely to be his last World Cup, we expect the Portuguese star to go out with a bang

Portugal however, look to start the World Cup group stages with a bang on Thursday. Having beaten the African side in their first meeting 2-1 in 2014, they are big favourites to win.

They have a squad that contains a nice balance of quality, experience and youth which should pay dividends in Qatar.

Portugal head into this match on the back of an impressive 4-0 win over Nigeria and have kept clean sheets in four of their last six matches with Ghana also holding a 2-0 win against Switzerland.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Portugal have a good record against Ghana and have won the only game that has been played between the two teams. Ghana have never defeated Portugal on the international stage and will look to create history this week.

The previous meeting between the two teams took place at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and ended in a 2-1 victory for Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo was the difference between the two teams on the day and will look to make his mark yet again in this fixture.

Portugal form guide: W-L-W-L-W

Ghana form guide: W-W-L-W-L

POSSIBLE LINE-UPS

GHANA:

Lawrence Ati Zigi GK

Tariq Lamptey

Daniel Amartey

Alexander Djiku

Baba Rahman

Thomas Partey

Andre Ayew (C)

Kamaldeen Sulemana

Kudus Mohammed

Jordan Ayew

Inaki Williams

PORTUGAL:

Diogo Costa GK

João Cancelo

Pepe

Ruben Dias

Raphael Guerreiro

Ruben Neves

William Carvalho

Bruno Fernandes

Bernado Silva

Cristino Ronaldo

Rafael Leao

VENUE: Stadium 974(Doha)

KICK OFF: 16:00GMT

WHERE TO WATCH: GTV+, Dstv Now, SuperSport Gotv Football