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Pepe relishing Ronaldo return for Portugal: 'It will be completely different'

Related Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal

Portugal defender Pepe has warned Switzerland that Tuesday's World Cup qualifier will be "completely different" with Cristiano Ronaldo back in the side.

A Russia 2018 berth is up for grabs as European champions and second-placed Portugal welcome unbeaten Group B leaders Switzerland to Lisbon.

Vladimir Petkovic's side have won all nine of their qualifiers after opening the campaign with a 2-0 victory against Portugal in September last year, when Ronaldo was injured.

But with Ronaldo — who on Monday was again nominated for the Ballon d'Or award he won in 2016 — back fit and firing, having scored against Andorra last week, Pepe is confident Portugal are ready to pip the visitors to an automatic qualifying spot, which they will secure with a win.