Portugal vs Czech Republic Prediction: Euro 2024 Team News and Lineups Preview

Scott Thornton brings you his Portugal vs Czech Republic prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview as the teams get their Euro 2024 campaign underway.

Roberto Martinez has transformed the Portuguese national team since taking the helm. They come into this tournament looking to put their World Cup disappointment behind them. However, the Czech Republic could prove to be a stern test. Ivan Hasek’s side finished above Poland in qualifying. 

For a deeper dive into Group F: Euro 2024 Group F Preview

• Portugal vs Czech Republic Tip 1: Portugal -1 Asian handicap
• Portugal vs Czech Republic Tip 2: Exactly 0 Goal For Czech Republic

Portugal vs Czech Republic Prediction 1: Portugal to Show No Mercy

Europe, Euro 2024, Saturday, Tuesday 18th, 20:00 (UK)

The appointment of Roberto Martinez raised some eyebrows with his Belgium side struggling in the last World Cup. he has since silenced the doubters and proven to be a breath of fresh air for the team. Fernando Santos adopted a more defensive approach when he managed Portugal but the proactive approach taken by Martinez has gone down well.

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to play a massive role for his country, but they are no longer reliant on the legendary forward to come up with the goods. Ronaldo’s storied career appears to have inspired a generation of wildly talented Portuguese players, and the national team could reap the rewards for some time. The eclectic blend of youth and experience makes Portugal a formidable foe, so we are backing them in starting their Euro 2024 campaign with victory.

Portugal have suffered just one defeat under the new manager. Ahead of their friendly with Serbia, they have won 11 of their 12 games in the new era. Over that period, they have scored an average of 3.42 goals per game and conceded just 0.5.

The Czech Republic have also been in good form. They are unbeaten in five ahead of their warmup matches against Malta and North Macedonia. However, Portugal represents a huge step up in class and they should come unstuck here. The team struggled in their UEFA Nations League group which contained Portugal. The Czechs picked up just four points from their six matches. 

Martinez’s side were dominant when they last faced the Czech Republic in 2022. They won 4-0 and created several big chances. A repeat of that result would certainly build confidence ahead of what could be a successful tournament for Portugal.

• Portugal vs Czech Republic Prediction 1: Portugal -1 Asian handicap (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 1.92
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 8/10

Portugal vs Czech Republic  Prediction 2: Defence Can Win the Tournament

Portugal have an attacking lineup that most can only dream of, but it is the defensive work they have put in since Roberto Martinez took over that has caught the eye. Gone are the days of the team sitting deep and waiting to pounce on opposition mistakes. Instead, Martinez instructs his players to hunt for the ball further up the pitch, employing a man-marking system that looks to dominate the middle of the pitch.

This new look Portugal side don’t afford their opponents any time to breathe. They look to win the ball back as quickly as possible and averaged 68% possession in qualifying as a result. They also conceded an average of just 5.9 shots per game. Only England and Spain conceded fewer. The Portuguese played 1- matches in their qualifying group and kept nine clean sheets. Slovakia were the only team who managed to score so backing a clean sheet for the favourites looks a good bet here.

The Czech Republic have only faced Portugal on three occasions since 2008 but they have failed to score in all of those. They scored an average of 1.5 goals per game in qualifying, slightly above the overall average of 1.44 goals per game but they didn’t have to face any of the giants of European football. They wound up finishing behind Albania and look set to struggle here.

• Portugal vs Czech RepublicPrediction 2: Exactly 0 Goal For Czech Republic 
• Best Odds: 2.20 
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Portugal vs Czech Republic Prediction odds via bet365 as at 09:00, June 1st, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Portugal vs Czech Republic Euro 2024 Team News and Possible Lineups: Portugal Competing for Places

Portugal are blessed with tremendous depth. They are able to play a range of shapes and systems, which should serve them well as they look to navigate their way through the group stages. There is competition for places, particularly in forward areas. Joao Felix and Goncalo Ramos could miss out on starting the first matches, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva given the nod in a 4-3-3.

The Czech Republic don’t have as many big names in their squad as yesteryear but there is talent in their ranks. Patrik Schick and Matej Kovar have enjoyed brilliant seasons for Bayer Leverkusen and will continue to strut their stuff on the international stage.

Portugal possible starting lineup:
Cost, Dalot, Dias, Danilo, Cancelo; Vitinha, Palhinha, Fernandes; Silva, Ronaldo, Leao

Czech Republicpossible starting lineup:
Kovar; Vicek, ,Hranacm Krejci; Gabriel, Soucek, Sadilek, Jurasek; Barak, Schick, Hlozek

Euro 2024 Match Stats: Plenty of Goals in Portuguese Ranks

• Cristiano Ronaldo was Portugal’s top scorer in qualifying with 10 goals.
• Portugal averaged 3.6 goals per game in qualifying. Only France scored more.
• The Czech Republic have lost just one of their last 12 matches ahead of the warmup matches for Euro 2024.
• The Czechs haven’t beaten Portugal since 1996.

Portugal Group A Euro 2024 Fixtures: Portugal are the Group Favourites

• Vs  Turkey (N)
• Vs Georgia (N)

Czech Republic Group A Euro 2024 Fixtures: Crucial Fixtures Ahead

• Vs Georgia (N)
• Vs Turkey (N)

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