Euro 2012 Friendlies: Portugal to show an improvement

Norway v Croatia, Saturday 18:00, Betfair Live Video, Match odds: Norway 2.727/4, Croatia 2.8615/8, The Draw 3.55/2

This writer is convinced Croatia are among the most overhyped teams this century, lauded primarily for two distant victories over a pretty poor England side. As the Three Lions last week became the first visitors to win in Oslo in almost two years, this is therefore an interesting point of comparison.

Performances since qualifying through the play-offs have been mixed, with a 3-1 loss to Sweden followed by a success by the same scoreline against Estonia. Both nations have scored in just two of Norway's last ten fixtures, so that may be the best bet for this encounter.

Recommended Bet: Both teams to score? No @ 2.0621/20

Netherlands v Northern Ireland, Saturday 19:00, Match odds: Netherlands 1.211/5, Northern Ireland 15.014/1, The Draw 7.06/1

Any optimism about Michael O'Neill's reign as Northern Ireland boss vanished swiftly as they lost his first game 0-3 at home to Norway. They are even worse outside of Belfast, suffering six successive defeats and conceding 17 goals in the process, so a trip to Amsterdam is a frightening thought.

They can at least take comfort from the fact that the usually prolific Dutch aren't at their best right now, winning none of their last eight by a margin greater than two goals. The midweek triumph over Slovakia was also only their second in six outings.

Recommended Bet: Northern Ireland +2.5 on the Asian Handicap @ 1.845/6

Portugal v Turkey, Saturday 19:45, Betfair Live Video, Match odds: Portugal 1.645/8, Turkey 6.05/1, The Draw 3.953/1

Any hopes that Portugal had finally found a winning blend when they thrashed Bosnia 6-2 in the second leg of their play-off appear to have winded by successive goalless draws with Poland and Macedonia. There are reasons to remain upbeat however.

Three clean sheets in four show defensive improvement despite the banishment of Ricardo Carvalho and Jose Bosingwa, Paulo Bento's 4-3-3 appears a decent fit for the players available and Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo, though they flicker internationally, are two wingers that most countries would be delighted to showcase.

Recommended Bet: Portugal to keep a clean sheet @ 2.3411/8