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EURO 2020 Final - Referee + Cards Preview

7/8/2021

Bjorn Kuipers has been confirmed as the man in the middle for this Sunday’s EURO 2020 final between Italy & England.

The Dutch official is a household name in his native Netherlands having taken charge of 20 games in the Eredivisie last season in addition to 8 Champions & Europa League ties.

The 48-year old has officiated 3 times at this Summer’s European Championships - Denmark v. Belgium, Slovakia v Spain & Czech Republic v. Denmark - handing out no fewer than 10 yellow cards all told.

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Midfield enforcers Marco Verratti (15/8) & Kalvin Phillips (9/4) are the most likely to find their way into Kuipers notebook according to the bookmakers. Verratti averages 3.3 tackles a game at EURO 2020 with an average of 1.3 fouls while his opposite number Phillips, who has been an ever present for the Three Lions, averages 0.7 tackles per game with an average of 1.7 fouls.

Italian left-back Leonardo Spinazzola had been making all the headlines before suffering a nasty injury v. Belgium leaving fellow full-back Giovanni Di Lorenzo to somewhat go under the radar at right-back.

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Alessandro Florenzi was Roberto Mancini’s first-choice for the right side of defence at the beginning of the tournament. However, the Roma man who spent last season on loan in Paris has been sidelined with a calf injury since the opening game against Turkey.

Di Lorenzo has started 4 of the Azzurri’s 5 EURO ties since then, sitting out against Wales with qualification from the group already secured, and has quietly gone about his business with an average of 7.8 duels won per game.

The Napoli man is no stranger to a yellow card. The 27-year-old was booked no fewer than 11 times in Serie A last season and was cautioned during the Italian’s last-16 tie with Austria at Wembley.

Raheem Sterling is likely to start on the left wing for the Three Lions and the Man City man likes to run at his marker with 31 attempted dribbles in his 6 outings in the competition so far.

Back Giovanni Di Lorenzo (1st Player Booked) @ 12/1

EURO 2020 Final Preview (11 July 2021)

7/8/2021

Is football finally coming home, or is it headed for Rome? This Sunday (11 July) sees the final of EURO 2020 between England & Italy.

It will be the Azzurri’s 10th appearance in the final of a major tournament (6x World Cup, 4x EURO) while the Three Lions prepare for their first ever appearance in a European Championship final and their 1st appearance in a major final since 1966.

England are the marginal favourites at 4/5 to lift the trophy while Italy are 1/1 with Bet365.

Sunday evening will be the 28th meeting between Italy & England, the most recent of which was back in 2018 when a late Insigne penalty salvaged a draw after Jamie Vardy had given England the lead.

Lorenzo Insigne notched 19 times for Napoli in Serie A last season and has 2 goals at EURO 2020.

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The diminutive winger has all the potential to be a game winner and England right-back Kyle Walker will need to be at his brilliant best to contain him.

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At the other end of the pitch, Harry Kane’s extra-time winner against Denmark in the semi-final was the Spurs striker's 4th goal at EURO2020, tied 3rd for the Golden Boot behind Patrik Schick & Cristiano Ronaldo who both have 5 goals.

It’s sure to be a tense and tight affair between 2 sides who arrive full of confidence and there’s huge potential it could be decided by just 1-goal.

3 of the last 4 EURO finals in fact having been decided by a 1-0 scoreline.

Back Under 1.5 Goals @ 13/8

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EURO 2020 Semi-Final Preview

7/5/2021

EURO 2020 reaches fever pitch this week as Wembley prepares to host 2 semi-finals in as many days. On Tuesday, Italy takes on Spain before England and Denmark go head-to-head on Wednesday night..

Italy v Spain

Spain had to rely on penalties to see off the Swiss who played more than 40-minutes with 10-men on Friday night. Italy, meanwhile, held their nerve to get past Belgium on the same evening

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The Azzurri will be without Leonardo Spinazzola who suffered an achilles injury in Friday’s quarter-final victory but Roberto Mancini’s men have continued to impress in all areas of the pitch.

Midfielder Jorginho leads the way in completed passes this tournament, averaging 75 completed passes per game, and the Chelsea man looks worth backing to achieve over 54.5 passes on Tuesday night.

Back Jorginho - Over 54.5 Passes @ 5/6

England v Denmark

Gareth Southgate will lead England out for the 1st appearance at a major European tournament for the first time since Euro ‘96 when the Three Lions agonisingly missed out on reaching the final, losing 6-5 to Germany on penalties. Who missed the deciding spot-kick? None other than Gareth Southgate.

It’s 11/2 with Bet365 that the game will be decided on penalties.

England are yet to concede a goal at EURO 2020 and couldn’t have been more impressive in booking their spot in the semi-finals with a 4-0 win over Ukraine.

Harry Kane was twice on target on Saturday and Andreas Christensen & co. might struggle to contain the England no.9.

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Back Harry Kane (First Goalscorer) @ 3/1

EURO 2020 Quarter-Final Preview

6/30/2021

And then there were 8 as the belated 2020 European Championships reaches the quarter-final stage this weekend.

The last-16 was certainly not lacking in drama & excitement with 22 goals scored across the 6 ties with leading contenders Holland, Portugal, France & Germany all departing.

Switzerland v Spain

Switzerland stunned World Champions on penalties to book their place in the quarter-finals. The Swiss produced a remarkable turnaround to come from 3-1 down with 10-minutes left to prevail 5-4 on penalties.

Spain, meanwhile, seem to be finding their rhythm after a slow start to the tournament. Luis Enrique’s men have scored no less than 10 goals in their last 2 outings.

La Roja had to survive a scare in the last-16 when being taken to extra-time by Croatia but goals from Mikel Oyarzabal & the misfiring Alvaro Morata ensured the 3-time European champions progression.

Given the two sides most recent outings, it seems reasonable to expect a goal-filled encounter.

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Back Spain & over 2.5 goals @ 13/8

Belgium v Italy

Friday night produces easily the most fascinating tie of the quarter-finals as no. 1 ranked side Belgium take on a Italy side who have been near enough foot perfect up until now.

Roberto Mancini’s side have won all 4 of their games so far, scoring 9 times with Sasa Kalajdzic’s goal for Austria in the last-16 the only blot on the Azzurri’s copy book.

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Belgium boast a similarly impressive record this Summer also winning their 4 games and the Red Devils showed a determined resolve when repelling Portugal in the last-16.

Roberto Martinez is likely to be without star players Kevin de Bruyne and Eden Hazard but the Belgians aren’t short of squad depth and look good value at odds-against to qualify for the semi-finals.

Back Belgium to qualify @ 11/10

Czech Republic v Denmark

On Saturday, tournament dark horses Czech Republic & Denmark lock horns in Baku in what is a repeat of the 2004 quarter-finals.

A Milan Baros brace helped the Czech’s to the semi-finals in ‘04 and in Patrik Schick Jaroslav Silhavy has a similar striker with an eye for goal. The Bayer Leverkusen forward has 4 goals in as many games at EURO 2020.

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Back Patrik Schick (First Goalscorer) @ 6/1

Ukraine v England

Finally, on Saturday night. Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions leave the home comforts of Wembley to head to Rome where they’ll face Andriy Shevchenko’s Ukraine.

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The Ukranian’s qualified as one of the top 3rd placed teams before Artem Dovbyk’s stoppage time header sealed their place in the quarter-finals at Sweden’s expense on Tuesday evening.

England matched Germany’s record from 2016 in keeping 4 successive clean sheets at a European Championship.

The Germans ultimately exited at the semi-final stage 5-years ago and the nation will be expecting the semi-finals at the bare minimum.

England to Nil @ 21/20

EURO 2020 Last-16 Preview

6/24/2021

The group stage is complete, let the knockout stage begin..

The last-16 of the 2020 European Championships gets underway this weekend with mouthwatering ties whichever way you look!

Ante-post favourites France retain their spot as tournament favourites after coming through unscathed whilst Italy are their nearest pursuers according to the bookmakers with Roberto Mancini’s side being cut into a general 6/1, having been available to back previously at 9/1.

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The Azzurri won Group A without conceding a single goal and their reward is a last-16 tie against Group C runners-up Austria.

Franco Foda’s Austrian side were comfortable winners over North Macedonia & Ukraine but were no match for the Netherlands and it’s difficult to see them progressing any further.

Speaking of the Dutch, Frank de Boer’s Flying Dutchmen take on the Czech Republic in Budapest on Sunday.

Gini Wijnaldum & co. were impressive in qualifying for the knockout phase, winning all 3 group matches scoring 8 times & conceding just twice. The former Liverpool midfielder has 3 goals to his name at EURO 2020, tied with Romelu Lukaku, Patrick Schick, Emil Forsberg & Robert Lewandowski in the race for the Golden Boot.

Also on Sunday, Belgium & Portugal go head-to-head in Seville.

The Red Devils are the current no. 1 ranked team in the World according to FIFA & Roberto Martinez's men made serene progress to this point with 3 straightforward victories against Russia, Denmark & Finland.

Portugal, meanwhile, emerged as one of the best 3rd placed sides having finished 3rd in Group F which certainly lived up to its pre-tournament billing as the “Group of Death”.

A 3-0 win over surprise package Hungary followed by a hard earned point against France were enough for the defending champions to set up a first ever meeting with Belgium in a major tournament.

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Monday sees Croatia against Spain and France versus Switzerland.

The Spanish were firmly back on song when dismantling Slovakia 5-0 in their final group game and Luis Enrique’s side are an extremely skinny 2/7 to secure a passage to the quarter-finals at Croatia's expense.

Les Bleus meanwhile are an even shorter 2/9 to book their spot in the final-8.

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Last but by no means least, on Tuesday, England & Germany renew rivalries in what promises to be a hotly contested affair at Wembley.

The Three Lions were solid if unspectacular in the group stages with Gareth Southgate’s cautious tactics ensuring England emerged undefeated from their 3 group ties, beating Croatia & Czech Republic in-between a goal-less draw with Scotland.

Germany, on the other hand, blew extremely hot and cold in their 3 matches. Jogi Low will relinquish his role as Germany national manager after 15 years at the helm of Die Mannschaft and the experience manager required an 84th minute Leon Goretzka strike against Hungary to ensure his sides inclusion in the last-16.

The last time England & Germany met at a major tournament was back in 2010 when Frank Lampard scored the ‘goal that never was’ with the Three Lions ultimately humbled 4-1.

Germany seemingly lacks the necessary firepower to trouble England at the moment, however- and if there was a time to face Germany, it could just be this Summer..

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EURO 2020 Player of the Tournament Preview

6/8/2021

The Player of the Tournament award was officially recognised by organisers UEFA in 1996 and since then it’s been won by some of the sports greats such as Zidane, Xavi & Iniesta.

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So, who are the contenders for this year’s prize? Kylian Mbappe, Kevin De Bruyne & Harry Kane are all match winning players for their respective nations & the trio currently vye for favouritism.

There could, however, be better value in a French midfielder.. Or two! N’GOLO KANTE & PAUL POGBA.

N’Golo Kante has won just about all there is to win for club & country. The defensive midfielder is vital cog in Didier Deschamps side and while the 5ft6” Frenchmans tireless work can go unnoticed he deservedly scooped the Man of the Match honours in last month’s Champions League final.

He looks good value at 20/1 with Bet365 to catch the attention of the deciding UEFA panel once again this Summer.

At an even bigger price, Paul Pogba is 33/1 to be named Player of the Tournament. The mercurial midfielder was born to perform on the big stage and enjoyed a memorable tournament in the 2018 World Cup.

The 28-year old endured an injury-interrupted campaign but still managed 3 goals and 6 assists in the Premier League for Manchester United.

EURO 2020 Betting Preview (11 June 2021 - 11 July 2021)

6/6/2021

A whole 365-days later than it was originally scheduled, EURO 2020 gets underway this Friday (11 June) as Turkey take on Italy at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

Unsurprisingly, reigning World Cup winners FRANCE go into the tournament as the ante-post favourites

Les Bleus arguably endured something of a World Cup hangover in Euro qualification with defeat to Turkey and narrow, unconvincing wins over the likes of Iceland, Andorra & Moldova.

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Didier Deschamps' men were runners-up in 2016 and a slot in Group F alongside Germany, Portugal & Hungary could have been kinder.

However with a squad containing quality all over the park and a proven tournament track record it’s easy to make a case for the bookmakers jolly.

Fancy France for la victoire? Add them straight to your bet-slip HERE!

Next in the betting sees Gareth Southgate’s ENGLAND. The Three Lions suffered semi-final heartache at the 2018 World Cup but have barely put a foot wrong since.

Qualifying for the competition with 7 wins & a goal difference of +31.

Southgate came in for criticism following the announcement of his 26-man squad featuring an abundance of full-backs but in Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Raheem Sterling, Jack Grealish & Phil Foden the former England defender still has a glut of attacking options.

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Think football is coming home this Summer? Get England in your bet-slip HERE!

BELGIUM come in as 3rd favourites. Roberto Martinez faces an agonising wait on the fitness of star man Kevin de Bruyne after the midfielder was forced off during Manchester City’s Champions League defeat to Chelsea last month.

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The Red Devils have flattered to deceive in major tournaments though. No less so than when they were knocked out by the plucky Welsh in the 2016 European Championships.

In Romelu Lukaku, however, they have a natural goalscorer. The burly centre-forward banged 24 goals en route to securing the Serie A title with Inter Milan this season and the 28-year old looks a leading contender for the Golden Boot.

Backing Rom for top goalscorer? Add it straight to your bet-slip HERE!

This Summer’s tournament will be long-serving GERMANY manager Joachim Low’s last dance at the helm of Die Mannschaft and the European Championship has thus far eluded the much decorated gaffer with a runners-up medal in 2008 the nearest he’s come.

Germany find themselves in the unusual position of lacking firepower with Low’s squad seemingly looking heavily reliant on a misfiring Timo Werner.

The Chelsea forward scored 6 goals in his debut Premier League season & failed to score in any of his last 4 outings for his country.

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Will Jogi sign off on a high as Germany boss? Add it straight to your bet-slip HERE!

SPAIN & PORTUGAL are the other contenders in single-figures.

Spain were European Champions in 2008 & 2012 before a disappointing display in 2016 saw them crash out in the round of 16 at the hands of Italy.

Luis Enrique took the bold decision to omit Sergio Ramos from his 26-man squad & it remains to be seen whether the former Barcelona manager’s decision will prove to be a wise one.

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Portugal are the defending champions having stunned France in their own backyard 5-years ago.

A Seleção boast an abundance of attacking threat in the form of Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernando Silva & Diogo Jota and with Ruben Dias marshalling the defence.
It would be premature to discount Fernando Santos’ men lightly.

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2020/21 Champions League Final Referee & Cards Preview (29/05/2021)

5/28/2021

Antonio Mateu Lahoz will take charge of this evening’s Champions League final- it will be the Spaniards first time refereeing a major European Cup final.

Lahoz has officiated 6 matches in this season’s Champions League, dishing out no fewer than 32 cautions.

Lahoz handed out a whopping 9 cautions in Manchester United’s group H tie away to RB Leipzig in December & the 44-year old could have another busy time in the middle.

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Back over 4.5 cards is odds-on at 10/11 with Bet365.

Joao Cancelo was sent off in Manchester City’s final Premier League game of the season against Brighton and the Portuguese full-back has been booked 3 times in this season’s Champions League.

Back Joao Cancelo to be carded at 2/1.

Juan Cuadrado was the last player to be sent off in a Champions League final. The Colombian was dismissed for a second bookable offence in the 2017 final following a coming together with the divisive Sergio Ramos.

Back a red card in the match at 10/3.

2020/21 UEFA Champions League Final Preview (29/05/2021)

5/24/2021

Newly crowned Premier League champions Manchester City face Chelsea in an all-English UEFA Champions League final at the Estadio do Dragao on Saturday 29 May (20:00 BST K.O)

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The Citizens won the domestic league with an 86-point haul and Pep Guardiola’s men have arguably been even more imperious on the continent, winning 11 & drawing 1 of their 12 games in this year’s Champions League scoring 25 & conceding just 4 times.

The arrival of Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge has seen the Blues form pick up considerably, losing 5 games in all competitions since the Germans arrival in West London back in January.

Chelsea won the Champions League in 2012 following a similar mid-season managerial change

It will be the 3rd time both Champions League finalists have hailed from England, following Liverpool v Tottenham in 2018/19 & Manchester United v Chelsea in 2007/08 when the Blues lost out on penalties.

Manchester City are heavy odds-on favourites at 4/9 to lift the trophy in Portugal on Saturday night while Chelsea are available to back at 7/4.

Back Manchester City (FT Result) HERE!

Olivier Giroud is Chelsea’s leading marksman in the Champions League this season with 6 goals - only Kylian Mbappe (8) & Erling Haaland (10) having scored more in this year’s competition.

The experienced Frenchman is unlikely to start but could still make some appeal at 11/5 to score anytime.

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Add Olivier Giroud (Anytime Goalscorer) straight to your bet-slip HERE!

FA Cup 5th Round Preview (9 - 11 February 2021)

2/8/2021

It’s the FA Cup 5th round this midweek with 16 teams vying for a spot in this year’s quarter-final stage.

Tuesday evening sees Burnley welcome manager-less Bournemouth to Turf Moor whilst it’s an all Premier League affair at Old Trafford as Man Utd host West Ham.

The Hammers continue to exceed expectations, currently sat 6th in the Premier League- and David Moyes can call on this season’s top scorer Tomas Soucek after his red card at the weekend was rescinded on appeal.

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On Wednesday, last season’s runners-up Man City face Swansea in the tea-time kick-off.

The Swans are unbeaten in their last 10 in all competitions and Steve Cooper’s side were impressive when beating Nottingham Forest 5-1 in the previous round.

Also on Wednesday, Sheffield United host Bristol City. Chris Wilder’s Blades seeking some much needed respite from their struggles against relegation in the Premier League.

While there are a further 2 all Premier League affairs with Leicester vs. Brighton & Everton vs. Tottenham.

Last but by no means least on Thursday, Wolves take on Southampton at Molineux and Chelsea look to avoid a potential banana skin against Barnsley.

The Blues have picked up 10 points from a possible 12 in the Premier League since appointing Thomas Tuchel as head coach & the south-west Londoners look good value at 7/1 to land a 9th FA Cup in the clubs illustrious history.

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All odds correct at time of posting
(09/02/2021 11:30)