A highly entertaining encounter is expected at Kazan Arena as Euro 2016 holders Portugal battle Copa America champions Chile for a place in the 2017 Confederations Cup final.

The Selecao have been in better form at the tournament finals, but defeating hard-working La Roja is easier said than done.

The Portugal national team finally managed to realise their full potential as they lifted the Euro 2016 trophy, even if they were somewhat fortunate to go all the way.

The Selecao have done fairly well since, albeit struggling to keep up with Switzerland in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

Nevertheless, Portugal arrived at the 2017 Confederations Cup with a full-strength squad and brimming with confidence, which showed in the group games.

While they failed to defeat Mexico in their opening fixture despite twice taking the lead, the Selecao improved to record back to back wins over hosts Russia and minnows New Zealand.

As a result, they will now be vying Chile for a place in the final and Fernando Santos’ men can be backed at 6/4 to win the game in ninety minutes.

The boss will have to make do without centre-back Pepe, who is suspended, while Raphael Guerreiro is out injured.

The good news is that Bernardo Silva is recovering well from an ankle problem and he should be fit to face Chile on Wednesday.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Patricio – Cedric, Fonte, Bruno Alves, Eliseu – Bernardo Silva, William, Adrien Silva, Andre Gomes – Andre Silva, Ronaldo.

Chile have come a long way in recent years and there are no doubts that this will go down as one of the most talented generations in the history of the national team.

The current crop of players ensured their place in the history books thanks to back to back Copa America trophies, but they hope to impress at the intercontinental stage as well.

The first opportunity to do so is the Confederations Cup in Russia, where Chile have so far struggled to reach top form.

Nevertheless, the opening win over Cameroon as well as draws against Germany and Australia proved enough for a place in the semi-finals, and the game against star-studded Portugal will serve as another test for Juan Antonio Pizzi’s men.

The boss managed to rest several starters in the 1-1 draw with Australia, meaning that Gary Medel, Marcelo Diaz, Pablo Hernandez and Jean Beausejour should be recalled.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-1-2): Bravo – Isla, Medel, Jara, Beausejour – Aranguiz, Diaz, Hernandez – Vidal – Vargas, Sanchez.