Portugal v Czech Republic is a mouth watering tie to get things going on Matchday 5. The Portugese were superb in their opening day victory against Turkey, whilst The Czech's also come into this game on 3 points after defeating Switzerland. In my opinion the Czech Rebublic were far less impressive in their first match than the Portugese and I expect Ronaldo and his motley crew to prevail here and all but guarantee their qualification. Unluckily for us the match odds appear about right so we wont be backing Portugal to win the match in 90 mins. We will however be siding with them on a number of other markets.
 
First of all we are going to chance Ronaldo on the 1st Scorer market once more. On Saturday he hit the post before Pepe beat him to the punch. He was by far the most likely scorer and it is only a matter of time before he obliges. Centrebet are offering 5.5 each way and to me that represents value. Stake 0.5 pts each way.
 
Next up we are backing Portugal to win to nil at Ladbrokes. This market is simply backing a team to win without conceding a goal themselves. 2.75 is available here and that seems decent. Pepe and Carvalho marshal a superb defence in supreme fashion and i'm sure the shot shy Czechs will find scoring a tough task. At the 2.75 we are risking 1pt.
 
Our final bet on this game is on the first corner market. This is simply a bet on which team wins a corner kick earliest. Centrebet are offering prices on this market and in my view they are offering big odds on Portugal being victorious. Centrebet go 1.83 when in my mind they are no bigger than 1.70 shots. With wingers like Ronaldo and Simao the Portugese are always consistent corner winners. At the 1.83 on offer I suggest a 1.5pt stake.
 
Switzerland v Turkey is a chance for salvation between the two defeated sides on matchday 1. Without star front man Frei, the Swiss have the look of a beaten team. Frei was the one and only goal weapon Switzerland possessed and without him I fear for them.
 
When these 2 sides met in World Cup qualifying 2 years ago the match ended in a bloodbath with full on fights and assaults happening left right and centre!! So even if the footy is dull here there should be plenty to watch. From a betting point of view its a tough one to call, both teams had poor starts here and their performances didnt offer many clues other than that both teams are light in attack. On the back of this we will again invest in a regular market for this tournament. The Half Time Draw is available at 2.10 with Paddy Power, Corals Centrebet and this is a smidge big. Its nothing to get overly excited by however so just risk the 0.5 pt stake.
 
One thing that was obvious in Turkey's first match was that they lacked a little discipline. They picked up all the yellow cards in the match against Portugal and this is a trend I can see continuing. With Switzerland enjoying home support they are likely to receive a little bit of favour from the match officials!! Turkey therefore represent value on the first carded team market. 1.73 is available at Lasseters, Paddy Power and SkyBet. This to me is a very attractive price, The Swiss in general are a well behaved side and will need do something particularly naughty to beat the Turks to the punch here!! At 1.73 i'm staking 2pts.
 
Our final trade is with BetFred on the corner handicap market. Turkey, like Portugal play with plenty of width and pace. This is a good recipe for winning corners, and could easily be the key to corner supremacy between themselves and the slow laborious Swiss. BetFred are offering Turkey with a 1 Corner headstart at Even Money. I make it at least a shade of odds on. Stake 1pt here.

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