Portugal beat Czech Republic 2-0 on matchday three of Nations League A Group 2. That was the first meeting between the teams in a decade.
The Czech Republic are on a three-match winless run in the Nations League and are at serious threat of relegation with just a one-point advantage over Switzerland.
West Ham duo Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal are expected to start for the home side.
There has been speculation over Cristiano Ronaldo’s place in the Portugal XI, and Fernando Santos has a talented squad to choose from, even with Renato Sanches, Goncalo Guedes and Andre Silva left out.
Double Chance: Czech Republic Or Draw
The Czech Republic are unbeaten in nine matches at home, including a draw with Spain and win over Switzerland in this competition. They might be at a talent deficit against this Portugal team, but they are certainly no pushovers.
Portugal, meanwhile, are winless in three matches away from home. Santos’ focus will be on experimenting ahead of the World Cup here, which could lead to a disjointed performance.
There is value backing the hosts to extend their unbeaten run as they look to avoid the drop.
Total Goals: Under 2.5
There have been under 2.5 goals in three of Portugal’s four Nations League matches.
It is no secret that the Navigators are cautious under Santos, and the same can be said for a Czech Republic team which has seen two or fewer goals in six of its last eight.
The hosts will be content with keeping it tight, and hope to nick a goal on the break. Portugal have had their issues with breaking down opponents at times.
A goal either way could decide this.
Anytime Goalscorer: Patrik Schick
Patrik Schick hasn’t played for Czech Republic since last year, but the Bayer Leverkusen star is expected to return to the starting line-up for Friday’s match.
Despite Leverkusen’s poor start to the season, Schick has a couple of goals to his name and has amassed 3.7 expected goals.
The striker has scored and assisted in his last international appearance after lighting up the Euros.
There’s clear value backing Schick to score anytime at 3/1.
All odds are subject to change