It has already been a fascinating week of international fixtures and we’re hoping to see it end in style on Tuesday night with a huge 142/1 BTTS & Win treble.
We’re hopeful that the non-competitive nature will allow attackers to get the better of defenders across the continent, and we’re backing these three nations to continue their Euro 2016 preparations in style. However, we don’t think any of them will keep a clean sheet.
After the long weekend, a winner here would be the perfect tonic for battling the ‘back to work’ blues.
Austria v Turkey. 7:30PM
Marelo Koller’s Austria were one of the surprise packages on the road to France, sealing their place at Euro 2016 in emphatic style. They’ll be eager to keep their preparations going strong with a Tuesday night win over Turkey, but should be prepared for a difficult test at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion.
Goals certainly haven’t been an issue for the hosts, who have scored in every game for well over to years. In spite of their quality defensive record in the qualifiers, Austria have conceded in each of their last two friendlies, which will give hope to the visitors.
After all, Turkey have sealed their first tournament appearance since 2008. Meanwhile, Fatih Terim’s men are unbeaten in 12 internationals too. With the firepower of Cenk Tosun and Hakan Calhaanoglu amongst their arsenal, they shouldn’t struggle in the attacking third.
Nevertheless, with home advantage on their side, we’re backing Austria to prevail.
BTTS & Austria Win @ 15/4 with William Hill
Sweden v Czech Republic. 7:30PM
With Zlatan Ibrahimovic sitting out of Thursday’s trip to Turkey, Sweden fell 2-1 in Antalya. However, with their main man back, the hosts should be confident about sealing a first win of 2016 as they welcome the Czech Republic to the Friends Arena.
Sweden have enjoyed some good form prior to last week’s loss, stringing together a six-game unbeaten run towards the back of 2015. With their PSG superstar back in action, they should be expecting to score a few goals here.
Nonetheless, Erik Hamren’s men are vulnerable at the back and the visitors can capitalise. Pavel Vrba’s men have scored in four successive away games and will be looking to the likes of Matej Vydra to drive them forward against. Despite their impressive qualifying record for Euro 2016, though, this Czech side isn’t as good as it once was.
With Petr Cech injured too, we think the home side’s attack will be too strong.
BTTS & Sweden Win @ 9/2 with William Hill
Portugal v Belgium. 7:45PM
Regardless of it being a friendly, Fernando Santos will have been concerned by Portugal’s inability to convert chances to goals as they fell 1-0 to Bulgaria on Friday night. But the Seleccao have a fantastic opportunity to put things right against the world’s best ranked side, and we’re backing them to do just that Leiria.
This clash was originally set to take place in Belgium before being switched after recent news events. Those emotional torments could have a telling impact on the away side’s mentality, and could play a key part in what would be their first loss in seven matches. Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo will certainly want to make amends after Friday night too, which could be another bad point for the visitors.
The Red Devils should still score, though, and will be looking for Romelu Lukaku and co to provide the inspiration in this crucial Euro 2016 warm-up. On this occasion, though, injuries to Eden Hazard, Jan Vertonghen, Vincent Kompany and Kevin De Bruyne could make things difficult for Marc Wilmots’ men.
On paper, this has the potential to be a cracker. Nonetheless, we think Portugal just about have the edge.
BTTS & Portugal Win @ 9/2 with William Hill
A £10 treble returns £1436.90 with William Hill
