January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Game previews
Could Crouch be English hero?
On Saturday at Midday
Live on ZFB 7
It's the tie the island has been waiting for. But come 2pm on Saturday one set of fans is going to be crying in their beer.
Much has been made of the fact that Portugal go into this game without the suspended Deco, but let's not forget that England are also missing a key player in the injured Michael Owen.
England have the slightly less enticing prospect of reacquainting the World Cup with the robot — Peter Crouch.
For all his flaws Crouch will add balance to England's attacking line up and should take some of the pressure off Wayne Rooney.
England, though, will need to show significantly more imagination in midfield if they are to break down a defence that has only conceded once all tournament.
Ronaldo looks likely to shake off an injury and how he and Figo perform will be key to their teams chances.
They'll certainly have been encouraged by England's performances so far. That said, Sven Goran Eriksson's men have developed a knack of grinding out results.
We're not expecting it to be pretty, this weekend, but we think they just might do it again.
Injury Report: Owen is obviously still out for England, though Gary Neville is set to return. Portugal miss Deco and Costinha through suspension but Ronaldo is expected to play.
Top Scorers: Portugal: Maniche (2) England: Gerrard (2)
Key men: Rooney (Eng) Figo (Por)
Head-to-head: Played 21, England wins 9, Portugal wins 3, Draws 9
World Cup Form Guide: England: WWD, Portugal: WWWW
Sea Horses Odds: England 4/7, Portugal 11/8
BDA Sun prediction: England 1 Portugal 1. England to win on penalties.[[In-content Ad]]
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