From Sunday to Tuesday 12 teams get their Euro 2016 campaign underway. Some will be feeling quietly confident about going all the way while others will be worried that their pre-tournament preparations have not gone to plan. Whatever the mood inside the various camps, it is time to get on with the action. We’re sure to see some upsets even in these early stages and we think we’ve picked out three good accumulators to help you make the most of these nervy, tense opening games.
Easy Winner – 5/4 (BetVictor)
- Austria/draw double chance v Hungary (2/13) – Hungary could well be the whipping boys of Group F and Austria will need to avoid defeat to maintain their chances of qualification to the knockout stage.
- Under 1.5 first half goals in Poland v Northern Ireland (2/7) -Northern Ireland know that they have only a slim chance of prolonging their European Championship adventure past the group stage but they are solid defensively and should be able to keep Poland at bay for the majority of the first half.
- Over 1.5 goals in Belgium v Italy (1/2) – This should be an intriguing match. Few people are expecting anything special from Italy this summer but they will be looking to take the game to the much fancied Belgians on Monday night.
Medium Risk – 4/1 (Sky Bet)
- Germany to beat Ukraine (4/7) – There are some doubters about Germany’s chances of success in Euro 2016 but they can answer their critics in their first game with a win against a decent Ukraine side.
- Spain to beat the Czech Republic (4/9) – Spain’s chances have also been played down by many people. The two time defending champions need to find a reliable way to score goals but if they do that they will be too much for the Czechs to handle.
- Portugal to beat Iceland to nil (6/5) – Iceland did brilliantly to make it to France but the group stage looks to be as far as they will go. Portugal will be pinning their hopes on Cristiano Ronaldo but they’ve also got a sturdy defence which will be tough for Iceland to break down.
Long Shot – 22/1 (Bet365)
- Romelu Lukaku to score against Italy (15/8) – Lukaku looked like a player who didn’t want to be at Everton towards the end of the Premier League season. A goal in Belgium’s opening match would be a great way for the big striker to put himself in the shop window.
- Republic of Ireland to beat Sweden (9/4) – Martin O’Neill will surely be targeting the Republic’s first game against Sweden as a great chance to pick up three points. The Swedes are a fairly mediocre team and the Irish could leave the Stade de France happy and content.
- Mario Gomez to score against Ukraine (6/4) – A year ago it looked as though Mario Gomez’s career was petering out but he has been rejuvenated since playing in the Turkish league where he was this season’s top goalscorer. Even if he starts on the bench against Ukraine, he should be fancied to complete his rehabilitation with a European Championship goal.
See also:
- Euro 2016 tips (12th to 14th June)
- BTTS tips (12th to 14th June)