Todays Gambling picks and tips
The second set of group games in the European under 21 championships kick
off today with Israel against Belguim and Holland against Portugal.
Though i have enjoyed the technical ability of most of the sides in the
event i am disappointed in the lack of will to win games, the "do not lose
the first game" mentality has shown itself in spades!
The fact that only 2 goals have been scored in the first four games is
disappointing to say the least and hopefully teams will start to open up
now the competition has gotten under way.
As far as the games today are concerned i will be playing both and in both
games i am going for under 2.5 goals as a saver as i cannot see many goals
(unfortunately) in either games.
Firstly Israel take on Belguim.
In the first game Israel played against hosts Holland they defended
bravely and posed a threat with Sahar of Chelsea up front, the fact that
several of the team have played full Internationals goes some way to
proving that they are a side not to be underestimated, indeed they
defeated the very talented French side in a play off to reach these
finals.
Belguim held one of the pre tournament favourites Portugal to a 0-0 draw
in their first match and although i did not see the game, those who i have
spoken to have said they were unlucky not to win.
I feel Belguim just have the edge in this match and with their final game
against hosts Holland in what in effect is a derby match know they have to
win today.
At the time of writing Belguim are best price 5/4 with Boyle Sport and Bet
Direct and i`m tipping them for a narrow win, the main reason for this is
that Belguim to me seem to have more options from the bench whereas Sahar
though he had a good game against Holland was left very isolated at times
and chased to many lost causes.
The second game today has the potential of being a classic with Holland
taking on Portugal.
I was very impressed with several of the Dutch side namely Babel of Ajax
who lead the line well,Maduro a team mate of Babel`s and similarly already
a full international was commanding in midfield and scored the only goal
of the game and last but definitely not least Drenthe who is meant to be a
full back but was forward more times then he was back and who supplied a
constant stream of quality crosses.
To me Drenthe who plays for Feyenoord will be at a major club very soon,
if you get the chance to see him tonight do so he is a box of tricks and
for me the star of the tournament at this early stage.
Team news for Holland is that playmaker Ismailïl Aissati, who aggravated
a knee injury on Sunday is out, his likely replacement will be Otman
Bakkal
Portugal by their own admission were disappointing against Belguim and
will be looking for a much improved performance.
They have everyone with the exception of Ricardo Vaz Te of Bolton
available, and Manchester United`s new signing Nani will hopefully show
why he was worth the fee that they paid for him.
Portugal`s final group game is against Israel and though that is not a
certain win for them, they may feel as long as they avoid defeat tonight a
win against the Israeli`s would be enough to take them through given
Holland`s final game against Belguim.
I am hedging my bets here and going for a draw at best price 9/4 with
Bet365 and Boyle Sports as i have a felling these teams may well cancel
themselves out.
So to recap:
Both games under 2.5 goals.
Belguim to beat Israel.
Holland and Belguim to draw.
Good luck and good punting,
Silverfox.
