Turkey vs Portugal Prediction: Will Cristiano Ronaldo win Group H?
Portugal finally broke the Czech Republic’s resistance in injury time of their first game, as Francisco Conceição scored an important winner to secure the three points. Meanwhile, their next opponents Turkey also scored an injury time goal, as Kerem Akturkoglu raced away to tap into an open goal to secure a 3-1 win over Georgia.
That win was one of the most entertaining we have seen at any European Championship in quite some time, and backed by a huge following, Turkey will fancy their chances of causing a shock in this second fixture. Below you can find my Turkey vs Portugal prediction, including betting tips and team news.
Team News
Turkey are likely to name the same XI as they did in that first game after a wonderful attacking display against Georgia. Arda Guler stole the headlines with his superb long-range strike, and the Real Madrid man could be the breakout star of the tournament. With Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz on the other flank, Turkey are pinning their hopes on two talented 19-year-olds.
Portugal have so many options to choose from, and after a difficult game, Roberto Martinez could be tempted to make some changes. Francisco Conceição scored the winner but this still feels a bit early to throw him into the mix from the start, but Diogo Jota could come into the fold. Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t have his best game, but he is unlikely to be removed from the XI.
Turkey predicted line-up: Günok; Ayhan, Demiral, Bardakcı, Kadıoğlu; Özcan, Çalhanoğlu; Güler, Yıldız, Aktürkoğlu; Yılmaz
Portugal predicted line-up: Diogo Costa; João Cancelo, Pepe, Rúben Dias, Nuno Mendes; João Palhinha, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes; Rafael Leão, Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva
Turkey are priced at 23/5 to win this game, with Portugal the favourites at 14/25. A draw can be backed at 17/5, over 2.5 goals is 71/100 and BTTS is 41/50.
Portugal to win @ 14/25
Although they perhaps flattered to deceive in their opening game, I’m expecting Portugal to win this one. Turkey were exciting and dominant for the majority against Georgia, but they were facing the lowest-ranked team in the tournament and were expected to win.
Portugal deserve credit for staying patient against a very impressive Czech defence, and finding a way to win - which is all that matters in tournament football. They kept on working to create chances, had Diogo Jota’s goal chalked off for offside, and finished with an xG of 1.78. Despite Turkey’s exciting players, I think their will to attack will actually suit Portugal far more than coming up against a low block. With the pace of Rafa Leao and the passing of Bruno Fernandes, I’m expecting Portugal to secure top spot in style.
Over 3.5 goals @ 7/4
The best players on both teams lie in the attacking areas, which is why I’m expecting a thrilling contest between these two. Cristiano Ronaldo may not have been at his best, but he is still a constant goal threat and causes problems for defenders. If he is given slightly more space in the box to work with, he is likely to score, and if he doesn’t - one of the other stars is going to find the net.
The fact that Joao Felix and Goncalo Ramos were unused substitutes against the Czech Republic just proves how ridiculous Portugal’s squad depth is, and if the players on the pitch are not performing, then changes will be made. Meanwhile, Turkey showed how incisive they can be going forward as their teenage stars stole the show in their opener.
I think they will be able to get at the Portugal back line and find the net on one or two occasions. I’m expecting Martinez’s men to come out on top, but Turkey will give them a run for their money, and we should see loads of goals.
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