After three days of betting at Euro 2016, we’re slightly in front of the bookies and will be striving to use that as a platform as we enter the new week.
Day four in France sees three genuine contenders take to the pitch for their respective campaign openers. The football won’t disappoint; let’s just hope our selections do the trick too.
Good luck.
Monday’s Matches: Spain v Czech Republic (2PM, ITV); Republic of Ireland v Sweden (5PM, BBC One); Belgium v Italy (8PM, BBC One)
A trio of exciting fixtures will certainly go a long way to washing the Monday blues away, and the action gets underway at 2 o’clock as defending champions Spain begin their Group D campaign against the Czech Republic.
Preparations have been a little hindered by off-field issues, but Spain will be eager to put in a strong performance after seeing Croatia beat Turkey yesterday. The early evening game sees the fourth and final home nation representative start their bid for glory as Martin O’Neill’s men face Zlatan Ibrahimovic and co at the Stade de France. Given the quality of the other two sides in Group E, the Green Army will be desperate for the win. Three points would be massive.
The evening kick-off brings arguably the best game of the first round of fixtures. Both Belgium and Italy will be considered dark horses to go all the way. This clash could go a long way to settling the race to top this group. Expect to see fireworks.
Monday is, on paper, the most exciting of the tournament so far. Let’s hope it’s financially profitable too.
Toe Punter v The Bookies
The first round of fixtures is always difficult to bet on, but we’re already a little in front. Hopefully we can get the new week off to a stunning start too.
Our first bet comes from the Spain game, where we’re backing the champions to hit the ground running against the Czechs. Many people have overlooked the Spaniards, but Vicente del Bosque’s men won’t be at all bothered.
If they do take a lead before the break, it should be a routine victory for the Group D favourites.
BET: Spain HT/FT @ 27/20 with Coral (£10 stake)
As for the opening game in Group E, both Ireland and Sweden know that only a win will do. Facing Belgium and Italy in their final two games won’t be easy, so these two sides will need to go for the jugular.
On the other hand, neither side has a particularly strong defence. Ireland’s energy can help them score, but keeping out Zlatan will be immensely different. We’re backing both teams to score.
BET: BTTS Yes in ROI V Sweden @ 6/5 with Paddy Power (£10 stake)
The final match of the day is one where we’ll be more interested in soaking in the entertainment. Nonetheless, we’ve got a little bet to keep us interested.
We’re turning our attentions to the SkyBet enhanced odds specials, and will be looking to capitalise on what should be a highly passionate contest. It could well be a feisty affair and Mark Clattenburg won’t shy away from the yellow card, which is why we’ve made this selection.
Radja Nainggolan and Eden Hazard to both be carded @ 22/1 with SkyBet (£5 stake)
