The first round of qualifiers for the 2016 European Championships in France begin this weekend, with 25 games taking place between Sunday and Tuesday with every single team having hopes of qualifying. These qualifiers can often be a mismatch with huge footballing countries such as Germany, Spain and Italy coming up against minnows such as San Marino, but there are plenty of great betting opportunities nonetheless.
Although there are many games in which the gulf in class is large, there are still many close games in these qualifiers and such close games are often ideal for those who like to bet on the Both Teams To Score market. So read on for our latest betting tips for some interesting-looking games.
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Sunday 7th September 2014
- Denmark v Armenia (11/10 with Betfred) – The Danish national side only failed to score twice in their World Cup qualifying campaign in a group which contained Sunday’s opponents Armenia. In this fixture played in 2013, Armenia somehow ran away as 4-0 winners despite being away. Their away form was very impressive in that group, losing just one and failing to score in just one game – surely meaning they are likely to score again in this fixture. With the Danes having scored in their last four home games since the thrashing by Sunday’s opponents this one has both teams to score written all over it.
Monday 8th September 2014
- Austria v Sweden (21/20 with Coral) – Austria’s last three games have all ended with both teams scoring and we expect this trend to continue in their home tie against Sweden. Aston Villa and Austria forward Andreas Weimann has started the season in good form, scoring two goals in the opening three Premier League games although he is still looking for his first international goal. We wouldn’t be shocked if this goal comes in this opening qualifier. Sweden also look likely to score in this game, having just missed out on World Cup qualification in there last competitive international game in a 3-2 loss to Portugal. Zlatan Imbrahovic scored twice in this game to take his tally to 48 goals in 98 international games. The mercurial frontman will not want to miss out on another big international tournament, with France 2016 possibly being his last chance, so he and the rest of the squad will want to start their campaign brightly, so we are backing them to score. We do not expect them to keep a clean sheet however, having conceded in each of their last six games.
- Czech Republic v Netherlands (10/11 with Coral) – Life after Louis van Gaal starts for the Dutch national side with an away trip to the Czech Republic. The current Netherlands side certainly has goals in it, as could be seen in the most recent World Cup with five goals against the then reining European and world champions Spain. However, their defence has often looked suspect and with change of management and possibly formation, it may take time for the squad to adjust to these changes. The Czechs may not boast as many big names as they have done in yesteryear but they will still be a threat to the Dutch defence having scored in the last five games.
Tuesday 9th September 2014
- Norway v Italy (13/10 with Coral) – Once seen as having the best defence in international football, Italy’s defence now looks quite porous having conceded in each of their World Cup games and also in a shock 1-1 draw with Luxembourg. Going forward though, Italy look a threat still, having scored in all of their away games in the most recent qualifying campaign for the World Cup in Brazil. Norway on the other hand have failed to keep a clean sheet in nine of their last 10 competitive fixtures. They will however be boosted by Italy’s poor defensive record and the call up of 15-year-old sensation Martin Ødegaard.
- Iceland v Turkey (evens with Coral) – Having failed to score in just one of their away games in their most recent World Cup qualifying campaign, Turkey look likely to score in their first away game in this one. Iceland on the other hand have scored in their last five matches, but have struggled to keep clean sheets against higher calibre teams, which Turkey may be considered due to the threat of Galatasary striker Burak Yilmaz, who has 13 goals in 34 international games and the creative influence of deep-lying playmaker Nuri Sahin.