MATCH 10 PREVIEW : HIGH STAKES IN LISBON

Possible changes
Yartsev's counterpart, Luiz Felipe Scolari, has also promised changes. "I will change some players' positions and maybe something more," he said. Cristiano Ronaldo seems certain to start after his goalscoring cameo against Greece with Simão Sabrosa making way. FC Porto playmaker Deco could also step up with Rui Costa relegated to the bench.

'Good atmosphere'
The AC Milan player appeared resigned to his fate ahead of the showdown in Lisbon. "If the coach thinks that putting me on the bench is the best for the team then I will give my support to Deco, as he always did when I started," Rui Costa said. "There has always been a good relationship between us and, once again, I affirm that Deco is one of the best offensive midfielders in the world."

Lone striker
The Portuguese attack may have misfired in their opener but Scolari will probably retain a 4-5-1 formation with Pauleta employed as the lone striker. Nuno Gomes will again have to be content with a substitute's berth while his SL Benfica colleague Miguel is unlikely to displace Paulo Ferreira at right-back, despite the Porto player's indifferent performance against Greece.

Yartsev's struggles
Scolari may be under pressure but he has no shortage of options, unlike his opposite number Yartsev who has a severely depleted and inexperienced squad. Mostovoi has been sent home and Roman Sharonov is suspended after being dismissed against Spain. Yartsev said: "The changes I can make are clearly limited."

Russia (probable): Ovchinnikov; Sennikov, Bugayev, Smertin, Evseev; Kariaka, Loskov, Aldonin, Alenichev; Sychev; Bulykin.

Portugal (possible): Ricardo; Paulo Ferreira, Rui Jorge, Fernando Couto, Jorge Andrade; Maniche, Costinha; Luís Figo, Cristiano Ronaldo, Deco; Pauleta.

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