Skipper's Euro Thoughts 1

In my first of four Euro 2012 preview blogs I am taking a look at the outright market for this year’s event.

Sixteen teams will make the trip to Poland/Ukraine with the hopes of winning the tag line of best in Europe. In my mind there are a few value teams to get with and some over rated ones to get against.

Spain are the favourites and rightly so, winning the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2008 respectively. 11/4 is a bit short for me but I am in no means ruling them out as eventual winners. Sometimes it’s just not a bet and Spain are a perfect example of that.

Germany are the second favourite at 3/1 and again are way too short for me; in my opinion they are resting on the back of Bayern’s great run to the Champions League final and will not have enough to come out on top in this one.

Holland are put in at 11/1 and with a star studded line up which includes the likes of R.V.P, Sneijder and Van Der Vaart to name a few may have a chance at glory this year. I don’t see much between them and Germany and would definitely prefer to take 11/1 than 3/1.

England are a 10/1 shot to win the competition and in my mind should be more like 20’s. Always under-priced and over hyped they are simply never a bet. Yes they have a good team and yes they have plenty of talent but at 10/1 I just can’t do it. They are the same ranking as Sweden when it comes to Major events and I would be going with the later at 80/1 cheers.

France have a sniff and at 12/1 is probably about the right price. I won’t be running out to jump on them at 12’s and I think I’LL LEAVE IT JUST NOW but don’t count them out to pull off a mini surprise.

Italy at 14/1 are the lay of the century for me. How are they 14’s, I just can’t see it. Can’t have them on my mind at all. My thoughts behind the reasoning for this price is they are still resting on the glory of years past. Right now they have no chance in my mind. Get against them in every way possible. I don’t think they will even get out of the group!

Portugal are 20/1 and are value at that price, Yes they have a hard group (which I think they will get out of) and yes they will be hoping for Ronaldo the win a few games on his own, but in my honest opinion he can. They are a great bet at 20/1 and you will get a good run for your money.

My outsiders this year are as follows:

Sweden

Sweden are on a par with England in most rankings and at 80/1 are a definite great value bet. Not to mention they have Ibrahimovic waiting to silence some critics and bang in some goals.

Croatia

Croatia are a 60/1 shot for the outright and I fully expect them to get out of there group ahead of the under-priced Italians. Good bet at 60’s and should do well.

SKIPPERS BETS

HOLLAND 11/1 (Just For Smalls)
PORTUGAL 20/1 (Fill Your Boots)
SWEDEN 80/1 (Fill Your Boots)
CROATIA 60/1 (Just For Smalls)