Portugal’s winning mentality was evident against the Czech Republic in midweek and they can continue on their upward curve by overcoming Turkey.

Despite needing a late goal to beat the Czech Republic in their last game, Portugal dominated the key metrics of the clash. The Czechs scored a sensational goal with what turned out to be their only shot on target of the game, with Portugal outscoring their opponents 1.85 to 0.41 in terms of xGF. Yes, Turkey managed an impressive 3.07 xGF against supposed minnows Georgia, but anyone who watched those final ten minutes knows just how susceptible they are at the back. Allowing Georgia 1.37 xGF reads poorly for a side facing the attacking talent of Portugal on Saturday night.

Roberto Martinez has steered the Selecao to victory in each of his 11 competitive matches in charge, with his side scoring multiple goals in nine of those triumphs. While Turkey are more than capable of landing a blow here, Portugal’s superior class should ultimately tell.

Hakan Calhanoglu was in the thick of the action against Georgia and he will have his work cut out even more against Roberto Martinez’s top-heavy team.

After an impressive season with Inter, Calhanoglu showcased his tenacity by averaging 1.51 fouls per 90 minutes in Serie A. His role for the national team is slightly deeper than at his club, as Turkey do not employ the same three-man central midfield formation that Inter do, offering him less opportunity to advance.

The Crescent Stars skipper committed two fouls and collected a yellow card against the Crusaders on matchday one. Given that Turkey’s latest challenge will represent a significant step up in class, Calhanoglu stands out for a solitary foul on Saturday evening.

Turkey’s defence faces a stern test against a Portugal team stacked with talent all over the pitch. Bernardo Silva is a constant threat for the Selecao and he is an attractive option to earn his side at least one free kick during this clash.

Domestically Silva drew 0.91 fouls per 90 in the Premier League for Man City this season, and while he drew significantly less in qualifying for Portugal, it’s important to note his likely opponent on Saturday will be Ferdi Kadioglu. The Fenerbahce left-back committed 1.31 fouls per 90 in qualifying, and 0.89 per 90 in the Super Lig this season.

Silva was on the receiving end of one foul during Portugal’s 2-1 win over the Czech Republic on Tuesday, and at 1.83, these odds seem very generous for an operator like Silva to be fouled only once.

Bruno Fernandes had a quiet game against the Czech Republic but he can quickly rediscover the fine form he showed during qualifying against Turkey.

Despite on paper playing a slightly deeper role for Portugal than he does Man United, he will be given license to move forward with Roberto Martinez looking to essentially start five defenders in this game, with a holding midfielder in behind allowing Fernandes to feed the front three.

The Portuguese playmaker chipped in with six goals and seven assists during the preliminaries. That coincided with Fernandes averaging 1.29 shots on target per 90, and 1.01 per 90 for United in the Premier League this season. He can test Turkey goalkeeper Mert Gunok at least once here.

Turkey will set out to disrupt Portugal’s rhythm and that could lead to a few cards coming their way. The Crescent Stars collected two cautions in their opening Group F assignment and a repeat here against opposition of a higher calibre looks likely.

Vincenzo Montella’s men were receiving an average of 3.38 cards per 90 minutes during qualifying and that trend should continue against a Portugal side loaded with firepower.

Having committed exactly two fouls against Georgia last time out, Hakan Calhanoglu looks overpriced to get on the wrong side of the referee at least twice during this contest.

Calhanoglu does a lot of work off the ball and he will have to help out a lot defensively against Roberto Martinez’s free-scoring side. The midfield battle will be intense, making the Crescent Stars captain an appealing prospect for a couple of fouls.