Portugal fell to a surprise 2-0 defeat against Ireland last time out which was a defeat that was largely fuelled by a red card shown to Ronaldo midway through the second half. Portugal still offered a significant attacking threat in that encounter with 27 shots and an xG of 1.60.

This is an ideal opportunity for Portugal to return to winning ways after losing their first match of the qualifying campaign - it’s Portugal’s first defeat in some time in the qualifiers with Roberto Martinez’s side going unbeaten during the qualifying campaign for the European Championship. 

Portugal beat Armenia 5-0 when the sides clashed in September, Portugal racked up one of the most impressive xG figures I’ve seen in recent months with an expected goal tally of 6.34 from their 24 shots.

Three of Portugal’s five matches during qualifying have seen 3+ goals, the two games which didn’t produce this goal tally were against Ireland who have proven to be awkward opponents for Portugal during this qualifying campaign. Armenia have managed to keep the scoreline down in their matches against Hungary and Ireland, but will struggle to do so here with the attacking talent that Portugal possess.

The initial meeting between these sides produced eight goals with Ukraine coming away 5-3 winners on that occasion. These sides have recent experience of meeting in crunch matches having faced off in a playoff for the European Championships last summer, a battle that was ultimately won by Ukraine (2-1).

This is another tense situation with Ukraine and Iceland locked on seven points heading into the final qualifying match. Finishing second doesn’t guarantee progression through to the World Cup next summer, but it keeps both of these nations’ hopes alive. France have already topped the group comfortably and Azerbaijan are cut off from the rest at the bottom of the table - so this is a straight shootout between these nations for a chance to be at the World Cup next summer.

Iceland have scored as many goals as France (13) during this qualifying campaign, which can offer them hope here in what should be a difficult encounter with Ukraine favourites as the home side. That being said, Ukraine have shipped 11 goals across their five qualifying matches - including the three they conceded against Iceland in the most recent head to head meeting.

Following a 5-0 defeat to Iceland in the opening round, it was always clear that Azerbaijan would face a formidable challenge in their World Cup qualifying group. Although they managed to secure a commendable point against Ukraine in their next fixture, back to back defeats during the October international break ultimately ended their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

France, in stark contrast, have navigated the qualifiers from the opposite end of the spectrum, entering this match undefeated and with top spot in the group already secured. Didier Deschamps' side has been characteristically measured and controlled in its approach. However, with the competitive pressure off, we may see a more expansive game as both teams could look to provide entertainment for the crowd.

Azerbaijan have found the net in two of their three home matches in this group stage and will be determined to score again on Sunday night. Nevertheless, their most significant challenge will undoubtedly be containing France's star studded attack.