Once again, one of Europe’s strongest sides have failed to achieve automatic qualification for a major tournament and they face a difficult task in the play-offs against Sweden.

The Nordic country have been pretty impressive of late and they are obviously heavily relying on red-hot Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Following a remarkable display at the Euro 2012, when they narrowly missed out on a place in the final, Portugal were seen as number one favourites for the first place in their 2014 World Cup qualifying group.

However, the Seleccao had a slow start to the campaign, winning just two of first five fixtures and it soon became clear they would not be able to pip Russia to the pole position.

Portugal go into the Sweden play-offs somewhat low on confidence, having produced several under-par performances of late, while severe selection problems are making life difficult for Paulo Bento.

Even so, the hosts remain 1.67 (2/3) favourites with Ladbrokes to create an advantage before the return leg in Scandinavia.

Despite struggling with a leg injury, Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to start and he is 2.00 (1/1) to continue his amazing scoring run.

Joao Pereira and Pepe are also expected to feature after shaking off minor knocks, but Fabio Coentrao is a major doubt.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Patricio – Pereira, Alves, Pepe, Antunes – Meireles, Veloso, Moutinho – Nani, Postiga, Ronaldo.

Sweden were pretty unfortunate to be pitted against impressive Germany in the World Cup qualifiers, as they would have probably challenged for the top spot in any other group.

The Nordic side, nonetheless, proved they can mix it up with the best of them, having returned from four goals down to earn a 4-4 draw in Germany, before losing 5-3 to the same opponents in a match of little importance at home.

Meanwhile, Erik Hamren’s side have done brilliantly in most other group games, which should give them reason for optimism ahead of the clash with out-of-form Portugal.

Buoyed by the good form of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Sweden look a good bet to qualify at odds of 2.75 (7/4) offered at SkyBet.

And after scoring a hat-trick at the weekend, the PSG star is 3.25 (9/4) to score anytime at Estadio da Luz and help his side make a giant step towards Brazil.

Erik Hamren has no fresh injury worries, but experienced players Jonas Olsson and Anders Svensson are set to be dropped from the starting line-up.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Isaksson – Lustig, Nilsson, Antonsson, Martin Olsson – Larrson, Kallstrom, R. Elm, Kacaniklic – Ibrahimovic – Elmander.