In-form Czech Republic arrive in Lisbon
Portugal take on Czech Republic in Group 2 of League A on Thursday in hoping to continue leading the four team group.
Switzerland and Spain make up the quartet but the Czech Republic have been a surprise package so far.
Czech Republic beat Switzerland 2-1 to get off to the perfect start before earning a very respectable 2-2 draw against Spain.
The visitors do have a small edge on their opponents in the group, with a smaller amount of their players involved in such high profile emotionally-draining competitions towards the back end of the season, suggesting they could be a little fresher for fixtures at this time of the year.
Portugal still have some incredible talent and will be strong favourites on their home patch, but the Czech Republic are in a good position to give a strong account of themselves.
Background
Tomas Soucek is an enormous player for club and country now and the 27-year-old has raised his profile a lot since moving to West Ham United.
Tomas Vaclik is an impressive goalkeeper for the level and could be called upon in Lisbon, hoping to keep the Czech Republic’s unbeaten start to the Nations League intact.
Adam Hlozek is a very exciting prospect to look out for in this fixture, the supporters will be hoping that the 19-year-old can step up to the void left behind by the injured Patrik Schick in this international period.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s role has changed a lot in recent years, but he remains crucial to the way that Portugal play and he will be desperate to have one last big push at World Cup glory later on this year.
Goals?
Difficult to predict, and it is important to wait for team news in a fixture like this, I am happy to take a hesitant goals angle at a backable price.
Portugal have scored in nine of ten.
Portugal have conceded in four of ten
Portugal have seen both teams score in four of ten.
Portugal have seen over 2.5 goals in seven of ten.
Czech Republic have scored in five of ten.
Czech Republic have conceded in six of ten.
Czech Republic have seen both teams score in five of ten.
Czech Republic have seen over 2.5 goals in five of ten.
After a tough week in the Nations League, I am happy to take a short price and bank on Portugal not running up a cricket score against an in-form Czech Republic side.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
2-0 Portugal.