THE Czech Republic will be hoping the chances they missed against Georgia don't come back to haunt them as they head into the final game of Group F seeking a victory over Turkey.
Despite peppering the Georgian goal on Saturday, the Czechs had to settle for a 1-1 draw and almost ended up losing the game as Georgia blew a golden opportunity with the last kick of the game.
That means they need a win against the Turks to secure a place in the last 16 while a point will be enough for Vincenzo Montella's men after they did manage to see off the Georgians to bring up a goals bet for Slips Tips.
Turkey followed that up with a disappointing display as they crashed to a 3-0 defeat against Portugal, with a comedy own goal summing up how poorly they defended.
That let down an estimated 50,000 Turkish fans at Dortmund's Westfalen but those passionate supporters will be fired up again for the clash with the Czechs in Hamburg as they try to help their team get over the line.
So it should be another dramatic night as the Czechs push for the three points while Turkey look to punish them on the break.
How the bookies view it: Czechs just have the edge
This game is on a knife edge and it's reflected in the odds, with Betfred making the Czech Republic only marginal favourites at 6/4, with the Turks priced at 7/4 and the draw paying 5/2.
Head to head: Nothing between these sides
These nations have met 11 times before and it's honours even, with five wins apiece and just one draw. They last met in a friendly two years ago and it was Turkey who edged a 2-1 victory on home soil.
Last five H2H duels:
- 19/11/2022 (International Friendly) – Turkey 2-1 Czech Republic
- 21/06/2016 (EURO) – Czech Republic 0-2 Turkey
- 10/10/2015 (EURO Qualifiers) – Czech Republic 0-2 Turkey
- 10/10/2014 (EURO Qualifiers) – Turkey 1-2 Czech Republic
- 06/02/2013 (International Friendly) – Turkey 0-2 Czech Republic
Players to watch: Chytil has to fill Schick's boots
Czech star Patrik Schick had to go off with a calf injury against Georgia and looks set to miss out here. Mojmir Chytil replaced him and could start here, with the Slavia Prague forward 21/10 for anytime scorer. That looks decent value given he has netted 22 times this season for club and country.
Injury limited Turkish wonderkid Arda Guler to just a cameo off the bench against Portugal so it's unclear if he will start. Baris Alper Yilmaz should lead the line again so looks the best option for a Turkey goal at 3/1.
Probable line-ups
Abdulkerim Bardakci is suspended for the Turks while Samet Akaydin is an injury doubt. Schick's absence is a big blow for the Czechs while manager Ivan Hasek might make a few changes after two disappointing results.
Czech Republic: Stanek; Holes, Hranac, Krejci; Coufal, Soucek, Provod, Doudera; Hlozek, Lingr, Chytil
Turkey: Gunok; Muldur, Demiral, Ayhan, Kadioglu; Yuksek, Calhanoglu; Guler, Kokcu, Yildiz; Yilmaz
Anything else catch the eye?
The Czech Republic need to go for it and Montella usually sets Turkey up to attack so this should be a decent watch. Over 2.5 goals pays just 8/11 but combining it with both teams to score boosts the odds to evens.
With so much at stake this could be a fiery game, especially with the vast Turkish support set to generate an incredible atmosphere again. You have to go to over 52.5 booking points to get to evens so going for individual players to fall foul of the officials looks a better option, although I've yet to see that market at Betfred.
Turkey won nine corners in their loss to Portugal while the Czechs racked up 11 against Georgia. That suggests we should see plenty of flag kicks here and over 9.5 corners pays 5/6.
This Euro 2024 match between Czech Republic and Turkey will be played on Jun 26, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Czech Republic vs Turkey prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
