Morning all,
back after yesterday's absence for day eight of our football feast and it kicks off on Friday with Italy against Sweden. I sounded a cautionary note about writing off Italy's chances before the Belgium game and they showed why. They were under the cosh for large parts of the game, but in typical Italian fashion, they scored two goals despite rarely venturing forward. That said, Belgium were not at their best, with both Lukaku and De Bruyne disappointing going forward. Equally for Sweden, Zlatan was poor and Sweden really need to go forward and get a result to have any chance of progressing. That will play right into Italy's hands. They'll be happy to sit back and draw the Swedes in like they did against Belgium.
With Italy available at evens or even odds against in places, this is outstanding value and should be snapped up by the bucket loads. If you're feeling brave you can also go for Italy to win to nil, available at a shade under 2/1
Onwards to match two and it's back to my dark horses Croatia. They were much the best for large parts of the game against Turkey, but failed to express that numerically, winning only 1-0 thanks to Luka Modric's great goal. The Czechs on the other hand nearly got a hard-fought point against Spain, only succumbing to a late goal by Pique. Question is, will the Czechs adopt a more forward approach. Because if they do, that may well be their downfall. To me, Croatia are very strong team and if you give them space to play, they will murder you. At the same time, if they are to have any hopes of progressing, the Czechs will need a point from this match and then beat Turkey. So it could well be another tight game. I do think Croatia will take the spoils though, they have more quality and that will see them through in the end. They are a shade over evens to win, while the HT/FT Draw/Croatia can be had at 4/1. 0-0 at Half-time, a winner in the Czech's previous game is 11/8
Finally, Spain take on Turkey and although the Spanish were dominant for large parts of the match against the Czech Republic, they failed to score until very late. That could well be a problem again. For all their quality in midfield, Spain are lacking a real goalgetter up front and they'll need to improve on that front. But I expect them to have too much for Turkey. One angle that I fancy is Spain to score a Penalty @ 13/2 with PaddyPower. With all their tricky players making runs into the box, it could be a terrific way for them to belay their goalscoring worries. 13/2 seems an excellent price on that front. The other angle I like is, Ramos (17/2) or Pique (11/1) as an anytime goalscorer. Both have a proven record of nicking goals for both club and country and you wouldn't put it past them to net from a set piece here.
Bets:
Italy to beat Sweden @ 21/20
Croatia to beat Czech Republic @ 11/10
Draw/Croatia HT/FT @ 4/1
Spain to score a penalty @ 13/2
Ramos Anytime goalscorer @ 17/2
Friday 17 June 2016
Wednesday 15 June 2016
Euro 2016: Day Six
Morning all,
Day six of Euro 2016 sees us move on to match day two of the group stages and we kick off the day with Russia v Slovakia. At this point in time, the Russians are still in the tournament, but any further fan violence and they may well find themselves kicked out after the disgusting scenes in Marseille. Reports from scuffles in Lille have already filtered through, but let's not speculate on the goings-on outside the ground. Let's concentrate on the pitch. The Russians were rather lucky in my opinion to get a point from the England game, having been on the back foot for a large part of it. They struggled going forward and their shooting was wayward when they did manage to get attempts on goal.
Slovakia on the other hand were perhaps unlucky not to get something from the game against Wales. They played well, controlled possession for large parts of the match and out-shot their opponents. The trouble though is that they struggled to find the target, with only three of their thirteen efforts being aimed at the actual goal. That said, I think Slovakia are worth a go to win here. They need to win to have any chance of progression and they do have the players to do it. If they're a bit more accurate, they're more than capable of beating the Russians.
We go back to group A for the remaining to fixtures and I cannot get excited at all about Romania v Switzerland. The Swiss made hard work of beating Albania, even with ten men, while the Romanians managed to frustrate France for large parts of the match before eventually succumbing to Dimiti Payet's wonder goal. These two teams haven't met in a meaningful international game since the 1994 World Cup when Roy Hodgson's Swiss put four past Romania and Ion Vladiou was sent off three minutes after entering the fray. I don't see a repeat of those scenes. Switzerland don't need to win, having already secured three points against Albania, while the Romanians may be content with a draw in the hope that they can beat Albania in the final game. Having said that, the Swiss could completely secure qualification if they manage to win this game. On that notion, I'm going to speculate that the Swiss get the job done. If you like you can add in the U2.5 goals as well @ 17/5
The final game sees the hosts looking to secure their next round spot against Albania. France will be keen to get on with things. They claimed three points late on in the opener, but the win will have lifted the early pressure a bit. Sure there'll still be expectations, but I fully expect the French to live up to it in the game. Albania are missing their best player and captain through suspension and that won't help them. Problem is, there's not going to be much value on a French win, so I'm going to take a different approach. I'm having a punt on 3-0 as the final score score @ 7/1 and Griezmann to score at least two of those @ 7/1 as well.
Bets:
Russia v Slovakia
Slovakia to win @ 13/5
Romania v Switzerland
Switzerland to win @ 31/20
Switzerland to win & U2.5 goals @ 17/5
France v Albania
3-0 correct score @ 7/1
Griezmann two or more goals @ 7/1
Day six of Euro 2016 sees us move on to match day two of the group stages and we kick off the day with Russia v Slovakia. At this point in time, the Russians are still in the tournament, but any further fan violence and they may well find themselves kicked out after the disgusting scenes in Marseille. Reports from scuffles in Lille have already filtered through, but let's not speculate on the goings-on outside the ground. Let's concentrate on the pitch. The Russians were rather lucky in my opinion to get a point from the England game, having been on the back foot for a large part of it. They struggled going forward and their shooting was wayward when they did manage to get attempts on goal.
Slovakia on the other hand were perhaps unlucky not to get something from the game against Wales. They played well, controlled possession for large parts of the match and out-shot their opponents. The trouble though is that they struggled to find the target, with only three of their thirteen efforts being aimed at the actual goal. That said, I think Slovakia are worth a go to win here. They need to win to have any chance of progression and they do have the players to do it. If they're a bit more accurate, they're more than capable of beating the Russians.
We go back to group A for the remaining to fixtures and I cannot get excited at all about Romania v Switzerland. The Swiss made hard work of beating Albania, even with ten men, while the Romanians managed to frustrate France for large parts of the match before eventually succumbing to Dimiti Payet's wonder goal. These two teams haven't met in a meaningful international game since the 1994 World Cup when Roy Hodgson's Swiss put four past Romania and Ion Vladiou was sent off three minutes after entering the fray. I don't see a repeat of those scenes. Switzerland don't need to win, having already secured three points against Albania, while the Romanians may be content with a draw in the hope that they can beat Albania in the final game. Having said that, the Swiss could completely secure qualification if they manage to win this game. On that notion, I'm going to speculate that the Swiss get the job done. If you like you can add in the U2.5 goals as well @ 17/5
The final game sees the hosts looking to secure their next round spot against Albania. France will be keen to get on with things. They claimed three points late on in the opener, but the win will have lifted the early pressure a bit. Sure there'll still be expectations, but I fully expect the French to live up to it in the game. Albania are missing their best player and captain through suspension and that won't help them. Problem is, there's not going to be much value on a French win, so I'm going to take a different approach. I'm having a punt on 3-0 as the final score score @ 7/1 and Griezmann to score at least two of those @ 7/1 as well.
Bets:
Russia v Slovakia
Slovakia to win @ 13/5
Romania v Switzerland
Switzerland to win @ 31/20
Switzerland to win & U2.5 goals @ 17/5
France v Albania
3-0 correct score @ 7/1
Griezmann two or more goals @ 7/1
Tuesday 14 June 2016
Euro 2016: Day Five
Morning all,
Only two games today as we get the chance to see the teams in Group F at work for the first time. The first match in the group sees Austria take on Hungary and I can only see one outcome in this game. The Austrians qualified top of their group, which also included the likes of Russia and Sweden, dropping only one point against the Swedes in the process. Marcel Koller's side plays a pretty solid game although their results in friendlies leading up to the tournament have been less than spectacular. But they have plenty of quality in their side all the way through, from Dragovic at the back, through Alaba & Baumgartlinger in the middle to Marc Janko up top.
Hungary on the other hand are one of the weakest squads in the competition. They struggled through in third in a very weak group topped by Northern Ireland and then managed to get past Norway in the playoffs. Their squad is 'experienced', but rather lacking in quality. I can see Austria going to town here. Austria to win is not the greatest price around, but Austria -1 is available at 23/10. It does mean Austria have to win by two clear goals, but I can't see that being too much of a problem for this side. Alternatively, Austria/Austria on the HT/FT market is 19/10 and that is another price that works for me.
The second game of the day sees Iceland take on Portugal and I quietly fancy the latter to take the whole thing. They were unspectacular in qualifying, but lost only one match (the opener against Albania). Their wins were laboured at times, with goals often coming late on, but at the same time, I like that. They're happy to sit and wait for their opportunity. At the same time, they have shown some improvement lately on the goalscoring front, putting three past Norway and seven past Estonia. They did lose to England in between, but that was to a late goal, having played most of the game without Bruno Alves who was sent off. Their discipline and ageing back line is a concern (most of them are over 30), but they do have one man who can make the difference like no other. Cristiano Ronaldo of course. He had a bit of a break after a long season with Real, but grabbed two against Estonia in 45 minutes.
Conversely, Iceland, after initially impressing in qualifying, beating Holland twice without reply, slumped late on, getting only two points from an available nine in the last three games. That included giving away a two-goal lead over Latvia and they've looked equally shaky in their friendlies since. That will cost them against the wily Portuguese. 8/15 for Portugal to win is no price, but the Draw/Portugal on the HT/FT market looks alright to me at 16/5 with Betfair. Equally, I can't see Portugal cutting loose, so Portugal to win and under 2.5 goals at odds of 23/10 seem fair.
Bets:
Austria v Hungary
Austria -1 @ 23/10
Austria/Austria HT/FT @ 19/10
Portugal v Iceland
Draw/Portugal HT/FT @ 16/5
Portugal win & U2.5 goals @ 23/10
Only two games today as we get the chance to see the teams in Group F at work for the first time. The first match in the group sees Austria take on Hungary and I can only see one outcome in this game. The Austrians qualified top of their group, which also included the likes of Russia and Sweden, dropping only one point against the Swedes in the process. Marcel Koller's side plays a pretty solid game although their results in friendlies leading up to the tournament have been less than spectacular. But they have plenty of quality in their side all the way through, from Dragovic at the back, through Alaba & Baumgartlinger in the middle to Marc Janko up top.
Hungary on the other hand are one of the weakest squads in the competition. They struggled through in third in a very weak group topped by Northern Ireland and then managed to get past Norway in the playoffs. Their squad is 'experienced', but rather lacking in quality. I can see Austria going to town here. Austria to win is not the greatest price around, but Austria -1 is available at 23/10. It does mean Austria have to win by two clear goals, but I can't see that being too much of a problem for this side. Alternatively, Austria/Austria on the HT/FT market is 19/10 and that is another price that works for me.
The second game of the day sees Iceland take on Portugal and I quietly fancy the latter to take the whole thing. They were unspectacular in qualifying, but lost only one match (the opener against Albania). Their wins were laboured at times, with goals often coming late on, but at the same time, I like that. They're happy to sit and wait for their opportunity. At the same time, they have shown some improvement lately on the goalscoring front, putting three past Norway and seven past Estonia. They did lose to England in between, but that was to a late goal, having played most of the game without Bruno Alves who was sent off. Their discipline and ageing back line is a concern (most of them are over 30), but they do have one man who can make the difference like no other. Cristiano Ronaldo of course. He had a bit of a break after a long season with Real, but grabbed two against Estonia in 45 minutes.
Conversely, Iceland, after initially impressing in qualifying, beating Holland twice without reply, slumped late on, getting only two points from an available nine in the last three games. That included giving away a two-goal lead over Latvia and they've looked equally shaky in their friendlies since. That will cost them against the wily Portuguese. 8/15 for Portugal to win is no price, but the Draw/Portugal on the HT/FT market looks alright to me at 16/5 with Betfair. Equally, I can't see Portugal cutting loose, so Portugal to win and under 2.5 goals at odds of 23/10 seem fair.
Bets:
Austria v Hungary
Austria -1 @ 23/10
Austria/Austria HT/FT @ 19/10
Portugal v Iceland
Draw/Portugal HT/FT @ 16/5
Portugal win & U2.5 goals @ 23/10
Monday 13 June 2016
Euro 2016: Day Four
Morning all,
Day four is upon us and it should be a good day's football with three games that could go either way. We start at two o'clock with Spain taking on the Czech Republic and while the holders are fancied for this match, I'm not convinced by them. Don't get me wrong, they still have a very good defence and midfield, but at the same time, some of the golden generation have gone. Puyol and Xavi are no longer there and they were both instrumental in Spain's golden age. That said, the Spanish only conceded three in qualifying (although they did lose to Slovakia). At the same time, they lost their final preparation game against lowly Georgia and their top scorer in qualifying, Paco Alcacer, is missing. That means they'll have to rely on Morata and Arduriz for the goals and they are not world class.
That would concern me against a Czech side that showed an penchant for grinding out results in qualifying and finished top of their group which included Netherlands and Turkey. The underdogs have a wealth of experience and I think they could set out to frustrate the Spanish here. A slow start would help the Czechs and we've seen plenty of them in this tournament already. The longer the game goes on as a draw, the more frustrated the Spanish will be come and that may open up chances for the Czechs.
I fancy a 0-0 halftime score at odds of 15/8, while I think a double chance on Czech Republic or Draw at odds of just shy of 2/1 (9/5 and 19/10 are both prominent quotes) is not a bad bet either.
Next Ireland take on Sweden and this will be a crunch tie for both teams. Win this and you're in with a chance of qualifying. Sweden of course have the indomitable Zlatan and you'd fancy him to score against anyone. Both teams of course came through the playoffs to make it here. Ireland scored 19 goals in qualifying, but take away the ones against Gibraltar and you're left with only eight, conceding seven. That is my concern for Ireland, where are the goals going to come from? Robbie Keane top scored for them, but he's not likely to start, so Shane Long will have his work cut out. Sweden meanwhile, never scored more than three in a game and that included games against minnows Liechtenstein and Moldova. A draw will be no good to either team, so I expect the first goal to be crucial. Zlatan to score first is 4/1 and he can be had at 8/5 to score at any time. I think he'll be the difference between the sides and Sweden might nick it at 29/20
Finally the big clash of the day sees Belgium take on Italy. Everyone has written of the Azzuri, but that does not sit right with me. One of the best defences in world football and that includes the evergreen Gigi Buffon in goal, Italy did not lose a game in qualifying. Sure, there were disappointing results and they didn't set the World alight, but above all Italy are a tournament time. Like Germany, it is foolish to write them off before the tournament has started. Italy's problems will be up front, but if the likes of Insigne and El Shaarawy reach their best form, they could be an outsides to take note of. Belgium meanwhile have transformed from dark horses to contenders for the first time in a team that holds a vast array of talent. They have a strong pairing at centre back in Alderweireld and Vertonghen, although the flanks look weaker with those places like occupied by centre backs as well. Eden Hazard will be a key man, if he returns to his best form, but he's not shone for Chelsea this season and if he shows that sort of level, he may be more a hindrance. Romelu Lukaku will be the man they look for for goals and he is everything you could want from a striker and still only 23. That said though, neither side needs to win this game (as I expect them to beat the other teams comfortably) and a draw at 2/1 seems good prices
Bets:
Spain v Czech Republic
0-0 at Halftime @ 15/8
Czech Republic or Draw double chance @ 19/10
Ireland v Sweden
Zlatan to score first @ 4/1
Sweden to win @ 29/20
Belgium v Italy
Draw @ 2/1
Day four is upon us and it should be a good day's football with three games that could go either way. We start at two o'clock with Spain taking on the Czech Republic and while the holders are fancied for this match, I'm not convinced by them. Don't get me wrong, they still have a very good defence and midfield, but at the same time, some of the golden generation have gone. Puyol and Xavi are no longer there and they were both instrumental in Spain's golden age. That said, the Spanish only conceded three in qualifying (although they did lose to Slovakia). At the same time, they lost their final preparation game against lowly Georgia and their top scorer in qualifying, Paco Alcacer, is missing. That means they'll have to rely on Morata and Arduriz for the goals and they are not world class.
That would concern me against a Czech side that showed an penchant for grinding out results in qualifying and finished top of their group which included Netherlands and Turkey. The underdogs have a wealth of experience and I think they could set out to frustrate the Spanish here. A slow start would help the Czechs and we've seen plenty of them in this tournament already. The longer the game goes on as a draw, the more frustrated the Spanish will be come and that may open up chances for the Czechs.
I fancy a 0-0 halftime score at odds of 15/8, while I think a double chance on Czech Republic or Draw at odds of just shy of 2/1 (9/5 and 19/10 are both prominent quotes) is not a bad bet either.
Next Ireland take on Sweden and this will be a crunch tie for both teams. Win this and you're in with a chance of qualifying. Sweden of course have the indomitable Zlatan and you'd fancy him to score against anyone. Both teams of course came through the playoffs to make it here. Ireland scored 19 goals in qualifying, but take away the ones against Gibraltar and you're left with only eight, conceding seven. That is my concern for Ireland, where are the goals going to come from? Robbie Keane top scored for them, but he's not likely to start, so Shane Long will have his work cut out. Sweden meanwhile, never scored more than three in a game and that included games against minnows Liechtenstein and Moldova. A draw will be no good to either team, so I expect the first goal to be crucial. Zlatan to score first is 4/1 and he can be had at 8/5 to score at any time. I think he'll be the difference between the sides and Sweden might nick it at 29/20
Finally the big clash of the day sees Belgium take on Italy. Everyone has written of the Azzuri, but that does not sit right with me. One of the best defences in world football and that includes the evergreen Gigi Buffon in goal, Italy did not lose a game in qualifying. Sure, there were disappointing results and they didn't set the World alight, but above all Italy are a tournament time. Like Germany, it is foolish to write them off before the tournament has started. Italy's problems will be up front, but if the likes of Insigne and El Shaarawy reach their best form, they could be an outsides to take note of. Belgium meanwhile have transformed from dark horses to contenders for the first time in a team that holds a vast array of talent. They have a strong pairing at centre back in Alderweireld and Vertonghen, although the flanks look weaker with those places like occupied by centre backs as well. Eden Hazard will be a key man, if he returns to his best form, but he's not shone for Chelsea this season and if he shows that sort of level, he may be more a hindrance. Romelu Lukaku will be the man they look for for goals and he is everything you could want from a striker and still only 23. That said though, neither side needs to win this game (as I expect them to beat the other teams comfortably) and a draw at 2/1 seems good prices
Bets:
Spain v Czech Republic
0-0 at Halftime @ 15/8
Czech Republic or Draw double chance @ 19/10
Ireland v Sweden
Zlatan to score first @ 4/1
Sweden to win @ 29/20
Belgium v Italy
Draw @ 2/1
Saturday 11 June 2016
Euro 2016: Day Three
Hi all,
Day three of the Euro 2016 sees world champions Germany start of their campaign in the 8 o'clock kick off. The three-times Euro winners had a stumbling qualifying campaign, which saw them beaten by Ireland and Poland as well as being held to a draw by the Irish. Their pre-tournament friendlies weren't much better either, with losses to France, England and Slovakia, They did beat Italy comprehensively 4-1 though and if that German side turns up, they will go far. One thing that's extremely important to remember about the Germans, is that they flourish in tournaments. They have not finished outside the top three in major tournaments since the 2004 Euro's when they were eliminated in the group stages. To write them off therefore, would be foolish. Like many of the major teams, their strongest suit seems to be in midfield where they have plenty of creativity and quality. The back four is solid enough and they have a quality goalkeeper in Manuel Neuer. The inclusion of Mario Gomez in the squad means they have an out and out striker as well, although Gomez has not been flourishing for the national team. Thomas Muller will probably start up front and is one of those who always gets goals on the big stage. He's available at 17/11 to score at anytime or 41/10 to score first.
Their opponents Ukraine are a mixed bag. They qualified through the play-offs, beating Slovenia, after finishing third behind Spain and Slovakia in the group stages. They have got some wonderful players in the squad, the likes of Yarmolenko and Konoplyanka and also striker Zozulya. Their defence though, look shaky to me. They conceded three against an average Romania side in the build up to this tournament and the Germans have more than enough quality to unlock them. Germany and Over 2.5 goals is 6/4 and I think that's a pretty good price.
The day kicks off with my dark horses for the tournament, Croatia, taking on Turkey in Group D. I think the Croatians have a fantastic chance to go far in the tournament. They have a magnificent midfield that offers both solidity and creativity and solid if unspectacular defence. They outscored and conceded less than qualifying group winners Italy, but the Italians managed to remain unbeaten while the Croats lost against Norway to see them finish second. They finished their preparations by putting ten past San Marino and although that doesn't say much, it'll be a nice confidence boost going into the tournament. A lot of their fortunes will depend on Mario Mandzukic. The 30-year old Juventus striker is likely to be first choice and should get quality service from the likes of Rakitic, Modrid and Perisic. The latter could even take matters in his own hands and at 10/1 is a cracking bet to open the scoring. (or 3/1 anytime). The Turks meanwhile got in by the virtue of being the highest placed third team after pipping a dismal Dutch side in Group A. That said, they were far from impressive in qualifying and will need to step up on their efforts to get anything from this game.
The final match on Sunday sees Poland take on Northern Ireland and I can't see anything other than a Poland win here. Northern Ireland may have topped their group, but for all intents and purposes it was desperately weak and Poland scored 33 in qualifying (although 15 of those were against Gibraltar). Will Grigg may be on fire, but he's no Robert Lewandowski, who had thirteen goals in qualifying and a hatful this season in club football. I can see the Bayern striker making hay here and he's 9/2 to score two or more and 3/1 to open the scoring. Equally, Poland to win and Lewandowski to score is 13/8 with Paddy Power and I'll be availing myself to some of that.
Bets:
Germany v Ukraine
Germany to win and Over 2.5 goals @ 6/4
Thomas Muller Anytime Goal Scoer @ 17/11
Croatia v Turkey
Croatia to Win @ 6/5
Ivan Perisic to score first @ 10/1
Poland v Northern Ireland
Poland win & Lewandowski to score @ 13/8
Lewandowski to score 2 or more @ 9/2
Day three of the Euro 2016 sees world champions Germany start of their campaign in the 8 o'clock kick off. The three-times Euro winners had a stumbling qualifying campaign, which saw them beaten by Ireland and Poland as well as being held to a draw by the Irish. Their pre-tournament friendlies weren't much better either, with losses to France, England and Slovakia, They did beat Italy comprehensively 4-1 though and if that German side turns up, they will go far. One thing that's extremely important to remember about the Germans, is that they flourish in tournaments. They have not finished outside the top three in major tournaments since the 2004 Euro's when they were eliminated in the group stages. To write them off therefore, would be foolish. Like many of the major teams, their strongest suit seems to be in midfield where they have plenty of creativity and quality. The back four is solid enough and they have a quality goalkeeper in Manuel Neuer. The inclusion of Mario Gomez in the squad means they have an out and out striker as well, although Gomez has not been flourishing for the national team. Thomas Muller will probably start up front and is one of those who always gets goals on the big stage. He's available at 17/11 to score at anytime or 41/10 to score first.
Their opponents Ukraine are a mixed bag. They qualified through the play-offs, beating Slovenia, after finishing third behind Spain and Slovakia in the group stages. They have got some wonderful players in the squad, the likes of Yarmolenko and Konoplyanka and also striker Zozulya. Their defence though, look shaky to me. They conceded three against an average Romania side in the build up to this tournament and the Germans have more than enough quality to unlock them. Germany and Over 2.5 goals is 6/4 and I think that's a pretty good price.
The day kicks off with my dark horses for the tournament, Croatia, taking on Turkey in Group D. I think the Croatians have a fantastic chance to go far in the tournament. They have a magnificent midfield that offers both solidity and creativity and solid if unspectacular defence. They outscored and conceded less than qualifying group winners Italy, but the Italians managed to remain unbeaten while the Croats lost against Norway to see them finish second. They finished their preparations by putting ten past San Marino and although that doesn't say much, it'll be a nice confidence boost going into the tournament. A lot of their fortunes will depend on Mario Mandzukic. The 30-year old Juventus striker is likely to be first choice and should get quality service from the likes of Rakitic, Modrid and Perisic. The latter could even take matters in his own hands and at 10/1 is a cracking bet to open the scoring. (or 3/1 anytime). The Turks meanwhile got in by the virtue of being the highest placed third team after pipping a dismal Dutch side in Group A. That said, they were far from impressive in qualifying and will need to step up on their efforts to get anything from this game.
The final match on Sunday sees Poland take on Northern Ireland and I can't see anything other than a Poland win here. Northern Ireland may have topped their group, but for all intents and purposes it was desperately weak and Poland scored 33 in qualifying (although 15 of those were against Gibraltar). Will Grigg may be on fire, but he's no Robert Lewandowski, who had thirteen goals in qualifying and a hatful this season in club football. I can see the Bayern striker making hay here and he's 9/2 to score two or more and 3/1 to open the scoring. Equally, Poland to win and Lewandowski to score is 13/8 with Paddy Power and I'll be availing myself to some of that.
Bets:
Germany v Ukraine
Germany to win and Over 2.5 goals @ 6/4
Thomas Muller Anytime Goal Scoer @ 17/11
Croatia v Turkey
Croatia to Win @ 6/5
Ivan Perisic to score first @ 10/1
Poland v Northern Ireland
Poland win & Lewandowski to score @ 13/8
Lewandowski to score 2 or more @ 9/2
Friday 10 June 2016
Euro 2016: Day Two
Evening all,
the Euro's kick off properly tomorrow with three games lined up, including England's clash with Russia in Marseille. Russia will be missing two key players in Igor Denisov and Alan Dzagoev, both ruled out with injury before the tournament. Their team will most likely be built around a strong core of CSKA Moscow players with only Roman Neustader plying his trade outside of Russia. The concern for Leonid Slutsky will no doubt be his aging defence, with both Ignashevich and the Berezutski twins well into their thirties, up against England's in-form strikers in Harry Kane & Jamie Vardy. Having said that, the Russian's do have much stronger team going forward with the likes of Kokorin & Dzyuba keen to pick up where they left up for their club side Zenit.
England qualified for the tournament with a perfect record and Roy's boys will be keen to keep that streak of competitive victories going in the tournament. A lot will be made of where Wayne Rooney will be play and in my book, he should fit in behind two strikers in Vardy & Kane at the tip of a diamond. But I'm not the manager, so we'll see what happens. Like Russia, England's defence is not their strongest suit and all three centre backs are liable to make mistakes at times. Even more reason for me to play an attacking brand of football.
With Russia scoring 21 and England 31 in qualifying and both teams having a shaky defence, Both Teams to score at 5/4 should be a decent bet. Alternatively, you could take over 2.5 or England win and BTTS at decent prices
Earlier in Group B, Wales take on Slovakia in what could well be a key contest for both teams. A win here will probably see them in a good place to secure qualification and so both teams will be keen to make the most of a good start. The problem is though, it will have to rely on a moment of brilliance as neither team have a particularly impressive team. Wales will no doubt rely heavily on Garth Bale, while Slovakia will rely on their star Marek Hamsik. Both teams managed to beat top sides in qualifying (Belgium & Spain respectively), but I can see this being a low scoring game. Under 1.5 goals would probably be my bet here, available at 16/11 in places.
Finally, there is the second game in Group A where Switzerland take on Albania. This could well be a feisty clash with the Xhaka brothers meeting on opposite ends of the pitch. Albania have struggled to score in qualification and three of there goals were awarded as a mandatory result after the ugly scenes with a drone in Belgrade. In essence I don't think Albania are very good and the Swiss should win here. I can also see some cards being handed out here and a sending off is 3/1 in places which seems reasonable. Switzerland to win is best prices at 20/23 and again that seems a decent price.
Bets:
England v Russia
BTTS @ 5/4
England win & BTTS @ 21/5
Wales v Slovakia
Under 1.5 goals @ 16/11
Switzerland v Albania
Red Card to be shown @ 3/1
Switzerland win @ 20/23
the Euro's kick off properly tomorrow with three games lined up, including England's clash with Russia in Marseille. Russia will be missing two key players in Igor Denisov and Alan Dzagoev, both ruled out with injury before the tournament. Their team will most likely be built around a strong core of CSKA Moscow players with only Roman Neustader plying his trade outside of Russia. The concern for Leonid Slutsky will no doubt be his aging defence, with both Ignashevich and the Berezutski twins well into their thirties, up against England's in-form strikers in Harry Kane & Jamie Vardy. Having said that, the Russian's do have much stronger team going forward with the likes of Kokorin & Dzyuba keen to pick up where they left up for their club side Zenit.
England qualified for the tournament with a perfect record and Roy's boys will be keen to keep that streak of competitive victories going in the tournament. A lot will be made of where Wayne Rooney will be play and in my book, he should fit in behind two strikers in Vardy & Kane at the tip of a diamond. But I'm not the manager, so we'll see what happens. Like Russia, England's defence is not their strongest suit and all three centre backs are liable to make mistakes at times. Even more reason for me to play an attacking brand of football.
With Russia scoring 21 and England 31 in qualifying and both teams having a shaky defence, Both Teams to score at 5/4 should be a decent bet. Alternatively, you could take over 2.5 or England win and BTTS at decent prices
Earlier in Group B, Wales take on Slovakia in what could well be a key contest for both teams. A win here will probably see them in a good place to secure qualification and so both teams will be keen to make the most of a good start. The problem is though, it will have to rely on a moment of brilliance as neither team have a particularly impressive team. Wales will no doubt rely heavily on Garth Bale, while Slovakia will rely on their star Marek Hamsik. Both teams managed to beat top sides in qualifying (Belgium & Spain respectively), but I can see this being a low scoring game. Under 1.5 goals would probably be my bet here, available at 16/11 in places.
Finally, there is the second game in Group A where Switzerland take on Albania. This could well be a feisty clash with the Xhaka brothers meeting on opposite ends of the pitch. Albania have struggled to score in qualification and three of there goals were awarded as a mandatory result after the ugly scenes with a drone in Belgrade. In essence I don't think Albania are very good and the Swiss should win here. I can also see some cards being handed out here and a sending off is 3/1 in places which seems reasonable. Switzerland to win is best prices at 20/23 and again that seems a decent price.
Bets:
England v Russia
BTTS @ 5/4
England win & BTTS @ 21/5
Wales v Slovakia
Under 1.5 goals @ 16/11
Switzerland v Albania
Red Card to be shown @ 3/1
Switzerland win @ 20/23
Euro 2016: Day One
Morning all,
Going to focus my attention on the football for the time being and I've had a little look ahead at today's opener between France and Romania.
Unsurprisingly, France are the hot favourites for the opening clash as the favourites take on one of the big outsiders for the outright title. I would imagine the hosts get their tournament off to a winning start, but it wouldn't surprise me if there's a little early wobble or slow start. France have a vast array of talent in their squad, but injuries have robbed them of key players in central defence and that could well prove to be their downfall in their quest to win a third European title. They do at least have one of the best goalkeepers in the competition to negate that problem.
The Romanians have long since departed their mid nineties glory days when the likes of Gheorghe Hagi & Giga Popescu graced their side. They managed to go through qualifying unbeaten and showed themselves tough to break down by conceding only two goals. But there is a major note to make here that they were in a very weak group, eventually topped by Northern Ireland. France will present a whole new different challenge. To add to their woes, none of the Romanians managed to score more than two goals and that will not bode well for their chances.
I can see it taking a while for France to break down the Romanians though, so odds of 3/1 on the HT/FT market for Draw/France seem attractive enough. With Romania difficult to break down, the first goal may have to come from a set piece, so Payet to score first at 13/2 (PaddyPower) is also a decent price.
Bets: Draw/France HT/FT @ 3/1
Payet to score first 13/2
Going to focus my attention on the football for the time being and I've had a little look ahead at today's opener between France and Romania.
Unsurprisingly, France are the hot favourites for the opening clash as the favourites take on one of the big outsiders for the outright title. I would imagine the hosts get their tournament off to a winning start, but it wouldn't surprise me if there's a little early wobble or slow start. France have a vast array of talent in their squad, but injuries have robbed them of key players in central defence and that could well prove to be their downfall in their quest to win a third European title. They do at least have one of the best goalkeepers in the competition to negate that problem.
The Romanians have long since departed their mid nineties glory days when the likes of Gheorghe Hagi & Giga Popescu graced their side. They managed to go through qualifying unbeaten and showed themselves tough to break down by conceding only two goals. But there is a major note to make here that they were in a very weak group, eventually topped by Northern Ireland. France will present a whole new different challenge. To add to their woes, none of the Romanians managed to score more than two goals and that will not bode well for their chances.
I can see it taking a while for France to break down the Romanians though, so odds of 3/1 on the HT/FT market for Draw/France seem attractive enough. With Romania difficult to break down, the first goal may have to come from a set piece, so Payet to score first at 13/2 (PaddyPower) is also a decent price.
Bets: Draw/France HT/FT @ 3/1
Payet to score first 13/2
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