International Tips: Germany's slight flaw to be exposed

Miroslav Klose is one of Germany's few centre forward options

Encouraged by seven successive winning international bets, Michael Lintorn examines Portugal, Germany and France's weekend clashes...

Portugal v Greece
Saturday, 19:30
Live on Betfair Live Video

Match Odds: Portugal 1.768/11, Greece 6.05/1, The Draw 3.65n/a

The question of how fit Cristiano Ronaldo is remains a valid one that Portugal may be reluctant to confront. Having missed Real Madrid's final two La Liga dates and made an unconvincing return in the Champions League final, he has been ruled out of this Lisbon friendly alongside Pepe.

The absence of Europe's outstanding attacking player removes the one rogue ingredient from an otherwise solid recipe for under 2.5 goals. Five of their last seven showdowns produced exactly that, including that famous Euro 2004 final, and 13 of Greece's last 15 contests have sailed the same way.

Recommended Bet: Back under 2.5 goals @ 1.654/6

Germany v Cameroon
Sunday, 17:00
Live on BT Sport 2

Match Odds: Germany 1.271/4, Cameroon 13.5n/a, The Draw 6.25/1

Neither of these squads are preparing for the World Cup quite as imperiously as they would like. Cameroon have lost two of their three friendlies in 2014 - 1-5 to Portugal and 1-2 to Paraguay - while Germany have struck just three times in four games since their qualifying campaign ended.

Though Germany provided the Golden Boot adorner at the last two World Cups, the niggling injury problems that have cost Mario Gomez a place at the tournament and age and fitness issues afflicting Miroslav Klose leave them unusually light up front. Mesut Ozil had to seize a lead role in qualifying, notching three more than any compatriot, and their last four matches all delivered under 2.5 goals.

Best Bet: Back under 2.5 goals @ 2.447/5

France v Paraguay
Sunday, 19:45
Live on BT Sport 1

Match Odds: France 1.422/5, Paraguay 11.010/1, The Draw 4.77/2

Paraguay demonstrate how strong South American nations are at international level right now. They finished bottom of the CONMEBOL qualification standings, yet in the last few days have defeated a side attending the World Cup, Cameroon, while 13 fixtures have passed since they last fired a blank.

You can normally rely on France for a goal or four too, as proven by their 4-0 destruction of Norway earlier this week and the fact that they have netted 22 times in seven encounters. With Paraguay conceding in five straight outings - leaking 11 times in total - there is quite the case for both teams scoring.

Recommended Bet: Back both teams to score @ 2.427/5