Portugal v Turkey predictions: Iberians can inch closer to the finals

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Thursday's 2022 World Cup playoff between Portugal and Turkey.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Premier League, 7.45pm Thursday

Best bet

Portugal to win & both teams to score
1pt 23-10 Betfair

Match preview

Portugal missed out on automatic World Cup qualification after an agonising 2-1 loss at home to Serbia, but they have had enough time to get over the disappointment and can respond with a home win over Turkey in their playoff semi-final in Oporto.

There is a widespread expectation that Portugal and Italy will face off in the final next Tuesday, but Portugal head coach Fernando Santos must focus on the task at hand.

Santos has a defensive headache with Pepe and Ruben Dias ruled out, but he has plenty of attacking weapons and should come up with a selection to outscore the opposition.

Turkey were entertaining in Group G and their 27-goal tally included five against the Netherlands, who they defeated 4-2 in Istanbul.

However, the Turks also conceded 16 goals and their shaky defence could ruin hopes of progressing further.

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