Czech Republic vs Turkey predictions: Crescent-Stars can edge through
- Turkey have beaten Georgia but lost to Portugal
- Czech Republic's solitary point came against Georgia
- Recommended bet: Turkey to win
Czech Republic and Turkey both still have a chance of securing a place in the last 16 of Euro 2024 when they go head-to-head in their Group F finale in Hamburg.
They will be aiming to join section winners Portugal in the knockout stage, with Turkey in the more advantageous position going into the Volksparkstadion showdown.
The Crescent-Stars just need to avoid defeat to wrap up second place, while the Czechs need a victory and must also hope Portugal do not suffer a surprise defeat to Georgia.
It may not all be lost for either side whatever the outcome of this game, though, as one will hope to go through among the best-ranked third-placed countries.
Team news
Czech Republic striker Patrik Schick has been ruled out of the Turkey clash by Czech media with the calf injury he sustained against Georgia.
Schick's absence is a big blow to their hopes on Wednesday as the Bayer Leverkusen frontman has already scored once in the tournament to become his country's all-time leading Euros goalscorer.
Mojmir Chytil, who came on for Schick last time out, is expected to deputise up front or Schick's clubmate, Adam Hlozek, could be pushed into the central role.
For Turkey, first-choice goalkeeper Mert Gunok is battling to be fit having missed the defeat to Portugal with a knee problem and if he fails to make it, Altay Bayindir will continue in goal.
Real Madrid wonderkid Arda Guler has been struggling with a groin injury, but is poised to return to the starting line-up, while Irfan Can Kahveci has trained in the past couple of days and should be available.
Abdulkerim Bardakci is suspended, so Merih Demiral is set to start in defence.
The stats
Czech Republic amassed a huge total of 27 shots versus Georgia, 12 of which were on target, but they only managed one goal.
Despite going down to a 3-0 defeat against Portugal, Turkey only lost the shot count in Dortmund 12-11 and had the same amount of attempts on target (three) as the Portuguese.
The two nations have met 11 times since 1993, when the Czech Republic came into being, with the head-to-head record equal at five wins apiece and one draw.
However, Turkey have had the better of things recently, winning the last three meetings.
Prediction
These two sides look fairly evenly-matched so it is expected to be a close game in Hamburg. However, Turkey may just sense a slight advantage as the Czechs are without their talisman Schick up front.
Turkey were, in the end, well beaten by Portugal but they impressed in spells in their opening group win over Georgia, and they have Real starlet Guler in their ranks to hopefully inspire them against the Czechs.
Ivan Hasek's side, on the other hand, have yet to win but put up much more of a fight against Portugal, only going down to a very late 2-1 defeat after taking the lead.
It may be a nail-biting evening for both sets of fans, but Turkey are taken to edge it with a narrow victory, which would seal their progress to the next stage.
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