Poland:
The hosts are at the beginning of a new cycle, with new manager Jerzy Brzęczek only appointed at the beginning of the year. It is early days for the 'Red and Whites', however, the new leadership has shown early promise, with Poland unbeaten in two games so far, and sit second of their group in the UEFA Nations League .
With regards to team selection, coach Brzęczek has managed to retain the majority of the squad he selected for his first two fixtures in charge. And, given both previous starting XI's, Brzęczek is looking to combine a blend of youth and experience in his side; he seems keen to base the team on a solid veteran spine of Glik, Blaszczykowski, Krychowiak and captain Robert Lewandowski.
It is likely that in spite of the excellent individual domestic form of duo Arkadiusz Milik and Krzysztof Piatek, the pair will have to be content to play impact roles from the bench against Portugal, as coach Brzęczek is keen on consistency of selection in the early days of his tenure.
Portugal:
Portugal started their UEFA Nations League journey well, taking all three points from their clash with Italy at Benfica's Estadio da Luz. The 'Selecção' are also unbeaten in two games in the competition so far, with coach Fernando Santos looking to guide a smooth transition to the younger generation, after their disastrous round of 16 exit in this summer's World Cup.
In the same vein, Portugal will once again have to cope without talismanic captain Cristiano Ronaldo, as the player takes time off to figure out his international future, as well as dealing with public allegations about his personal life.
However, with or without Ronaldo, Fernando Santos is determined to bring the winning feeling back to his side, by continuing a recent new style of play that has seen Ruben Neves become a pivotal player in the middle of the pitch.
Pizzi and Renato Sanches look certain to be named in the defensive roles alongside the Wolverhampton Wanderers playmaker, with Ruben Dias being named beside Pepe at centre-back; a move that will see the youngster be guided by the veteran during the early stages of his international development.
Jerzy Brzęczek on visitors Portugal:
"It is a very good and organized team that can come out with a quick counter-attack. I believe that this team has evolved since the European championships."
"Now this has changed, because our rivals start to play more offensively, because they have players with such skills in the squad."
"Going to the pitch, we will fight for the best result. We are not just going to defend ourselves. We realize that Portugal is a team that will be able to use every little mistake."
Fernando Santos on opponents Poland:
"It is going to be a very difficult game. Poland is a team with quality, who have only lost two games throughout the last two qualification campaigns they have played. And because of this, we have to be at our highest level. It will be a great game."
"I remember that we won the last game(against Poland) comfortably. But it doesn't do any good to draw comparisons; they still have the same collective and individual quality, and they will enter the field aiming to win the match."
"Poland played well against Italy, and so we are well aware of the difficulties that await us, but I have confidence in my team, Portugal are ready to win."
Did you know?
Robert Lewandowski is due to make his 100th international appearance for Poland if he features on Thursday.
The last three games between these two nations have all ended in draws. The last meeting was decided on penalties, with Portugal beating Poland in the quarter-final of Euro 2016, on route to winning the tournament.
This UEFA Nations League meeting will be the 12th between the two teams; Portugal are currently winning the head to head battle, with 5 wins.
Possible lineups
Poland: Fabianski; Bereszynski, Glik, Bednarek, Reca; Blaszczykowski, Linetty, Krychowiak, Kurzawa; Zielinski; Lewandowski
Portugal: Rui Patricio; Cancelo, Pepe, Dias, Rui; Pizzi, Neves, Sanches; Bernardo Silva, Andre Silva, Guedes