Portugal vs. Ghana Bet Builder Tips: 14/1 card double for Group H clash

Portugal's search for a first World Cup trophy begins on Thursday when they face Ghana in Group H's second fixture. Here are our best Bet Builder tips for the encounter...

Portugal touch down in Qatar with much of the attention drawn towards Cristiano Ronaldo's club-related off-the-field antics. Whether that's a welcome media diversion or a needless in-camp distraction has yet to be seen.

But it isn't a CR7 selection that we're going with here. Instead, his Manchester United teammate Bruno Fernandes is the first of two players we like the look of to receive a card.

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Whether it's a petulant reaction, an unnecessary foul or a shameless dive, the Portuguese midfielder has established himself as a name to monitor for regular card backers.

Fernandes has entered the referee's book five times from a possible 13 occasions in the Premier League this term for United; adding to his honour of having the fourth highest card tally of any PL player during the 21/22 campaign!

And although he's only received a total of five yellows while donning the Portugal jersey, the diverse method of booking that Bruno offers make this particular selection incredibly appealing at 4/1 with bet365.

We recommend pairing that player booking with Ghana and Brighton's Tariq Lamptey to also end the game with a black mark against his name.

There isn't a great sample to go by for Lamptey this season given the youngster's return from long-term injury has resulted in just 177 minutes of Premier League football down on the south coast. That also extends to his two caps for Ghana where a recent allegiance switch from England was made to facilitate a World Cup appearance.

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But don't let that deter you. Who Lamptey is set to be defending against should entice you to add this selection to your bets. AC Milan's Rafael Leao is anticipated to start on the left-hand side of a three-pronged unit behind lone striker Cristiano Ronaldo who we already know likes to naturally drift out to that wing in support.

This pair are two physical forwards who offer an aerial threat, in addition to their ability on the ground, cleverly using their bodies to manipulate space and opportunities in tight situations. If the 5'3 ft Lamptey is to leave with any change from the many duels he is set to have in this difficult encounter, he'll have to impose himself physically at every possible opportunity. And against high-level opponents like Leao and Ronaldo, we know how frequently careless mistakes become a consequence of this.