Portugal vs Czech Republic
Portugal and Czech Republic are keen to extend their undefeated starts to the 2022/23 UEFA Nations League when they’ll meet each other in Lisbon this Thursday.
These two nations have won once and drawn once in their opening two matches, so they occupy the top two spots in Group A2 with four points apiece. However, the hosts have the superior goal difference at +4 compared to the visitors’ +1.
While Portugal are expected to be in this position given their quality, seeing Czech Republic right beside them is a surprise especially since they’re also grouped alongside Spain and Switzerland.
The pre-match SBOTOP betting odds are backing Portugal to be alone at the summit by the end of this match. However, Czech Republic have improved over the years and they’ll look to prove that they’re no fluke.
Talking Points
Portugal still relying on Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo may not be getting any younger but he is still one of the world’s best strikers today, as shown during their 4-0 victory against Switzerland on Monday.
The Manchester United forward scored his 116th and 117th international goals in just a span of five minutes, and all eyes are going to be on him once again in the UEFA Nations League 2022 highlights reel.
William Carvalho kickstarted their scoring binge in the 15th minute, while the in-form Joao Cancelo added one late for good measure.
Offence is going to be Portugal’s main strength and Fernando Santos is hopeful that their firepower can offset their frailties on the other end.
Pepe’s 39-year-old legs may not be fit to handle their congested schedule, while Ruben Dias – who is their rock at the centre-half – is still recovering from a hamstring injury.
Domingos Duarte is likely to get more run alongside Danilo Pereira and cover for Rui Patricio, while Joao Cancelo and Raphael Guerreiro should continue to play their usual full-back positions.
Bruno Fernandes, Joao Moutinho, and Ruben Neves are likely to form their midfield trio, while Bernardo Silva and Rafael Leao should join Ronaldo up front.
Czech Republic are making quite an impression
Not many people saw this coming, but the Czechs are punching above their weight and even head coach Jaroslav Silhavy couldn’t believe it since he doesn’t have a 100-per cent fit lineup at his disposal.
Czech Republic were already without their two of their reliable players in Patrik Schick and Tomas Petrasek, but they were still able to put up impressive displays against Switzerland and Spain.
With Schick out, Jan Kuchta has stepped up big for the team since he’s already scored two goals in their previous two matches. The Lokomotiv Moscow striker will continue to play alongside Jakub Pesek, while Adam Hlozek will eye a return on the wings over Ondrej Lingr.
Other than Schick and Petrasek, there’s more bad news for the Czechs as they will also be without full-backs Jaroslav Zeleny and Jakub Jankto – who were forced off the pitch against the Spaniards.
Simply put, Czech Republic will need all hands on deck in order to stand a chance against Portugal.
History
Portugal and Czech Republic have only met three times before this Thursday’s game – with all of their meetings coming from European championships. The Selecao have won two of their last three meetings, so the Czechs will look to level the scales.
Their last meeting took place 10 years ago in the Euro 2012 quarter-finals where a younger Cristiano Ronaldo headed in the match-winner to guide Portugal past Czech Republic with a scoreline of 1-0. After advancing to the semi-finals, Portugal subsequently lost to eventual champions Spain via penalties.
Both share similar recent forms as Portugal have won thrice, drawn once, and lost once in their last five games, while Czech Republic have won twice, drawn twice, and lost once in the same stretch.
Betting Tip
The UEFA Nations League 2022 odds are favouring Portugal to win in this contest via a large margin. Fernando Santos’ side is installed at 1.42, while Jaroslav Silhavy’s Czech Republic are the underdogs at 6.40 and a draw is at 4.50 in the 1X2 market.
Czech Republic have shown that they can hang with the big boys in Europe and they can certainly cause problems against a fatigued Portugal side.
But Portugal are in magnificent form themselves and it’ll be hard for the Czechs to match their firepower, so we can only picture the hosts taking all three points here – as well as the solo top spot in Group A2.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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