Published: June 26, 2021 11:35 pm
Last Updated: June 26, 2021 2:08 pm
EFF Daily: June 27th updates
Sunday’s Euro 2020 action continues the round of 16, with another two ties taking place today.
The first of these sees the Netherlands face off with the Czech Republic.
The Czech Republic enjoyed a decent group stage and should put up a decent fight against the Netherlands.
However, the Oranje were one of the standout teams in the group phase, with their attacking exploits a particular highlight.
The second game of the day then sees two of Europe’s top sides face off.
Belgium will take on current champions Portugal in what should be an entertaining affair. The Red Devils’ attack is likely to cause Portugal issues. However, Roberto Martinez’s side are not the most solid defensively, setting the game up nicely for a high-scoring affair.
Injury news
Netherlands: The Netherlands’ only recent injury issue saw Luuk de Jong ruled out of the rest of the Euros. But as he was only a back-up option anyway it should not impact your EFF side.
Czech Republic: Jan Boril will miss the round of 16 tie due to suspension after picking up a second yellow card vs England last time out.
Belgium: A knock kept Thorgan Hazard out of Belgium’s win over Finland. It was described as a minor issue by Martinez, suggesting he will be back this match week:
Described as a minor issue by Martinez. #BEL #EURO2020
Table: https://t.co/mZrUGRj4Ka https://t.co/fDrVcIFlSL
— Ben Dinnery (@BenDinnery) June 22, 2021
Portugal: Portugal are not reporting any new injury issues ahead of their meeting with Belgium on Sunday.
Top 3 players to pick: Memphis Depay, Georginio Wijnaldum, Cristiano Ronaldo
Memphis Depay, Netherlands (10.1m)
From the two games taking place today, Netherlands vs the Czech Republic does seem the easiest to predict.
And whilst the Czech Republic may cause the Netherlands’ backline some issues, it is hard to see them being able to keep their attack quiet.
So, there is a decent chance Memphis Depay, one of the highest-scoring forwards on EFF this year, will be amongst the goals again this time around.
Depay has so far scored two and assisted two at Euro 2020 and has been instrumental in anything positive the Netherlands attack does.
Georginio Wijnaldum, Netherlands (8.1m)
The second player you should put in your EFF side this week is Georginio Wijnaldum.
The midfielder played a fairly reserved role during his time at Liverpool.
However, he is given a lot more freedom for his country. This has resulted in Wijnaldum scoring three in three for the Netherlands at Euro 2020 so far, making him the joint-top scorer in the competition without penalties.
So, given Wijnaldum is just 8.1m and will have a fairly favourable quarter-final tie if they win on Sunday, it makes sense to have him in your side now.
Netherlands’ midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum celebrates after scoring the opener during the UEFA Nations League football match between The Netherlands and Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Johan-Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam on November 15, 2020. (Photo by JOHN THYS / POOL / AFP) / Netherlands OUT (Photo by JOHN THYS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal (12.2m)
Whilst Belgium vs Portugal may be a close game, it is hard to see the former keeping a clean sheet.
Belgium do have a lot of quality players, such as Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku.
However, their defence is definitely their weakest point. This should mean Cristiano Ronaldo and co. are able to continue their fine goalscoring form at this tournament.
Portugal have scored at least two in all of their games at Euro 2020 so far and a similar figure seems likely this time around as well.
And, of course, Ronaldo is the most likely of all Portugal’s players to be involved in said goals.
Captain of the day: Memphis Depay, Netherlands
Ronaldo and Depay both look to be viable captain choices on Sunday.
But given the Netherlands have a much easier opponent today, it is probably the now Barcelona star who you should chose.
