Euro 2016: The guide to the group betting – Group C
Published:
The 2016 European Championships are within touching distance now, and with domestic football all but over for another year, it’s time to get studying to find the best bets for France this summer.
This year’s expanded format sees 24 teams instead of 16 take part, meaning there will be more opportunities to explore than ever before.
All in all it’s shaping up to be a thrilling tournament, but with six groups to contend with, we’ve laid out some handy guides for this summer’s continental classic.
So here’s what you need to know about Group C, home to the world champions and a Green and White Army…
The Teams:
Germany
Second favourites for the tournament behind France, Germany are still arguably the strongest attacking force on the continent, with Thomas Muller favourite to be this summer’s top goalscorer.
Joachim Low’s men have suffered a few odd results however, slipping to defeats against England, France, the Republic of Ireland and the USA in the last 12 months.
That should offer hope to the rest of Group C, but if they bring out their A* performances, nobody will get close.
Ukraine
They needed to beat Slovenia in a play-off, but Ukraine conceded only four times in qualification and Mykhalo Fomenko’s side won’t be easy to score against.
At the other end however they lack a top-class striker, with their two main assets being wingers Andriy Yarmolenko and Yevhen Konoplyanka.
Each of their last seven fixtures have seen under 2.5 goals.
Poland
Adam Nawalka’s Poland could be one of the most unpredictable teams in France. They beat Germany 2-0 in qualifying but conceded to Gibraltar and weren’t that much better than Republic of Ireland or Scotland.
They owe much to talismanic Robert Lewandowski, but if the great striker can be contained – a tall order – Poland can be beaten. Could be a popular one for both teams to score.
Northern Ireland
There were probably easier group make-ups for Michael O’Neill’s men, but despite this horror draw, they’ll be anything but whipping boys.
Astute, organised and driven by passion, the Green and White Army haven’t lost a game for over 12 months and Poland and Ukraine could well be victims of an upset.
Top Theme: German success, but non-Germany matches to be must-win belters.
Best Bet: Despite losing to Poland in qualification, it’s pretty hard to see anyone other than Germany topping Group C at 4/11. If you’re keen to back the Home Nations, Northern Ireland have every chance of a result versus Ukraine or the Poles, and you can’t rule out progression at 2/1.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
