Betting tips / Michael Lintorn / 27 June 2012 / Leave a comment Bet Now View Market

Fernando Torres' impact as a sub against France was minimal, and with this in mind, Michael Lintorn ponders selection dilemmas affecting each of the Euro 2012 semi-finalists.

Portugal - Who replaces Postiga?

Though the least gifted of the front three, Helder Postiga's injury is an issue. Hugo Almeida did okay off the bench against Czech Republic but isn't that prolific. The same is true of Postiga, yet his work-rate is considered compensatory. Other options are the inexperienced Nelson Oliviera, whose pace could be a counter-attacking asset, or using Cristiano Ronaldo centrally with Denmark match-winner Silvestre Varela out wide. Expect Paulo Bento to avoid upheaval and pick Almeida, who is around (18.0) to net first.

Spain - Fabregas or Torres up front?
The no number nine tactic secured a win against France and, as Fernando Torres did little as a sub to prompt Vicente del Bosque into a rethink, will likely be maintained. Torres struggled against Portugal at the World Cup, the breakthrough coming five minutes after his substitution. The fierce Pepe and Bruno Alves pairing are liable to find the interchange and incision of Spain's unorthodox front three tougher to mark than one of the tall traditional strikers. They are (3.7) to shut Spain out.

Germany - Tinker with the forwards again?
Joachim Low said the call to replace Lukas Podolski, Mario Gomez and Thomas Muller with Andre Schurrle, Miroslav Klose and Marco Reus against Greece was a made to surprise Greece rather than rest stars against inferior opposition. His strategy was undermined by the line-up being leaked, and the combination of that worry and the group-stage displays of the dropped trio is expected to see them restored against Italy. Gomez is Euro 2012's joint-top scorer and will be (3.0) to add to his tally.

Italy - Who plays at right back?
With Christian Maggio banned, Italy are right back-less unless Abate recovers. The alternatives are to play a centre back there, an awkward solution as the full backs in a 4-3-1-2 need to provide the main wide attacking threat, or bring in Emanuele Giaccherini on the right. His defensive game is lacking though so may require a return to 3-5-2, whereas outright full backs are preferable against Germany, who boast Lukas Podolski, Thomas Muller and Philipp Lahm out wide. The Italy clean sheet is (4.0).