Euro 2016 is now really alive and kicking. The first two rounds of fixtures in the group stage were a mixed bunch but the final group of games had plenty of drama which is exciting in the lead up to the first lot of knockout ties. The peculiarities of the round of 16 draw has thrown up some very exciting contests and to capitalise on the betting opportunities presented to us, we’ve put together three accas for you to get your teeth stuck into.
Easy Winner – 6/4 (BetVictor)
- Over 1.5 goals in Wales v Northern Ireland (13/20) – There will be a very familiar feel to this all-British clash. With so much on the line it should closely resemble an FA Cup tie so expect an end to end affair with plenty of goals.
- Under 3.5 goals in England v Iceland (2/15) – Iceland will see no need to change their tried and tested defensive style against an England side who have struggled to break teams down so far in Euro 2016.
- Poland/draw double chance against Switzerland (1/3) – Poland have yet to concede a goal and are moving through the tournament quietly but efficiently. Their solid defence and multiple attacking options should be plenty to at least avoid defeat against Switzerland
Medium Risk – 15/1 (Sky Bet)
- Both teams to score in France v Ireland (2/1) – Ireland have a bone to pick with France. No Irish football fan has forgotten Thierry Henry’s handball in 2009 and the players will be gunning for revenge against France in Lyon. Ireland may well fall short in the tie but there is no reason why they cannot find a way through the French defence.
- England to beat Iceland (8/15) – England have found it tough to break down stubborn defences so far but they are still creating chances and they should only need to take one of them to beat an Icelandic side who save attacking to set pieces and counterattacking opportunities.
- Poland to beat Switzerland to nil (5/2) – Switzerland have yet to find a reliable route to the opposition goal which is not good news against a Poland side who have the meanest defence in the competition. Poland should be comfortable throughout the match and a bet on them to win without conceding looks sensible at odds of 5/2.
Long Shot – 192/1 (Bet365)
- Hungary to beat Belgium (6/1) – The incredible performances of Northern Ireland, Iceland and the Republic of Ireland have largely left Hungary’s achievement of topping Group F unsung. Hungary look a very impressive team, making 6/1 look too big a price for them against the unconvincing Belgians.
- Over 3.5 goals in Croatia v Portugal (9/2) – Portugal have yet to really hit their stride but with their quality in attacking positions they don’t need to be at their best to score multiple times. Croatia will feel confident about their chances so expect another high scoring match involving Cristiano Ronaldo and co.
- Northern Ireland to beat Wales (4/1) – This could actually be a nightmare tie for Wales. Northern Ireland will look at their opponents and believe they’ve got what it takes to win the match, let alone the tie, which could spur them on to yet another massive step forwards.
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