We take a look at all three UEFA European Championship encounters from Groups A and B scheduled for this Saturday and offer a betting suggestion for each match.
Before proceeding, let’s review the latest outright betting markets. England leads as the current favourite at 33/10, closely followed by France at 4/1. Hosts Germany are available at 11/2, while Portugal stands at 7/1, and Spain not far behind at 15/2. The remaining teams are priced at 14/1 or better.
Click here for all the latest UEFA EURO Outright Betting
HUNGARY v SWITZERLAND – Click here to bet
Group A commences this Saturday with an afternoon kick-off at the RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne, where Hungary faces a stern test against Switzerland, hoping to advance from an extremely competitive group. The Hungarians confirmed their Euro 2024 status by finishing first in their qualifiers, remaining undefeated with five victories and three draws. In the post-qualifier period, Hungary has had a productive preparation for the Euros, securing three wins from four international friendlies, all of which were victories without conceding a goal.
Hungary has averaged 2 goals per game in their last five International appearances, with over 2.5 goals arriving in 60% of those games (3 from 5).
Switzerland concluded their final warm-up match before heading to Germany with a 1-1 draw at home against Austria, extending their unbeaten run to four games. Known for frequent draws in the qualifiers, having registered five from their ten matches, Switzerland finished as runners-up in Group I en route to the finals. They will aim to assert their dominance early in the campaign, aware that progression from this competitive group will require a strong start, especially with the hosts, Germany, expected to advance.
Switzerland has averaged 1.2 goals per game in their last five international appearances, with under 2.5 goals dominating the stats at 80% of those games (4 from 5).
Head-to-Head
These two sides have met a total of 30 times, with Switzerland edging the stats with 14 wins, 5 draws, and 11 defeats. Their most recent encounter was in a World Cup qualifier, resulting in a convincing 5-2 victory for Switzerland back in October 2017.
Betting
Hungary 5/2
Draw 9/4
Switzerland 5/4
Prediction
Hungary has the potential to frustrate the Swiss, entering this clash with only one loss in their last 16 encounters. Despite their recent 4-0 demolition of Estonia, Switzerland has uncharacteristically struggled upfront, making this match difficult to predict. This should be a closely contested game, with few goals expected. My preference is for Switzerland to avoid defeat, with a low-scoring outcome likely.
Suggested Bet: Double Chance and Total, Draw/Switzerland and under 2.5 at 23/20
SPAIN v CROATIA – Click here to bet
Three-time European champions Spain will face Croatia this Saturday in their Euro opener of Group B at Olympiastadion in Berlin. This fixture has proven difficult to call in recent times, with Croatia consistently punching above their weight. Under the guidance of Luis de la Fuente, Spain will be hoping for a smoother transition this time, having been held to two consecutive draws against the Croats, needing extra time on both occasions to secure victory. Having finished on top of their qualifying group with seven wins and one defeat to Scotland, “La Roja” continued their dominance in warm-up encounters, scoring 10 goals in their last two international friendlies, with a 5-0 win over Andorra and a 5-1 victory against Northern Ireland.
Spain has averaged 3.2 goals per game in their last five International appearances, with over 2.5 goals arriving in 80% of those games (4 from 5).
Dark horses Croatia face familiar foes Spain in Berlin, seeking to avenge their UEFA Nations League final defeat to the Spaniards last year. With another solid campaign in the group qualifiers, registering 5 wins, 1 draw, and 2 defeats, the ‘Checkered Ones’ finished as runners-up, trailing Turkey by only one point. Not to be outdone by Saturday’s opposition, Croatia also enters this tournament in dominant form, securing four consecutive victories in their warm-up encounters leading to the Euros, including an impressive 2-1 win away to Portugal in Lisbon in their most recent outing.
Croatia has averaged 2 goals per game in their last five International appearances, with over 2.5 goals arriving in 60% of those games (3 from 5).
Head-to-Head
Spain and Croatia have faced each other a total of 10 times across various competitions. The Spaniards have emerged victorious in six of these encounters, while the Croats have secured three wins. Impressively, the Furia Roja have won six out of their last nine matches. Notably, in their most recent encounter, the UEFA Nations League Final in June 2023, Spain secured a 1-0 victory after extra time.
Betting
Spain 9/10
Draw 5/2
Croatia 7/2
Prediction
While Spain may have had Croatia’s number in recent encounters, it’s worth noting that in their last two meetings, extra time was required, indicating that these teams were evenly matched after 90 minutes. Fresh from last year’s close contest, this match could once again go down to the wire. While many may favour Spain, my preference would be for Croatia to avoid defeat.
Suggested Bet: Double Chance, Draw/Croatia at 9/10
Get your money back if your team loses to an injury time penalty.
Introducing Tough Luck Insurance from World Sports Betting. Bet on football matches with confidence, and if your team loses to an injury time penalty, we’ll return your stake as free bets.
*Valid for Pre-Match and Live in Play events up to 90 Mins.
T’s & C’s apply. Refund/Payout limited to R5000. Single/Straight bets only.
Free Bets do not qualify for this offer. Limited to 1 refund per customer per event.
Simply email promotions@wsb.co.za with Subject ‘ Tough Luck Insurance ’
ITALY v ALBANIA – Click here to bet
Defending champions Italy will begin their title defence against underdog Albania at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, aiming to secure all three points in their Group B opener this Saturday. Despite finishing as runners-up in their respective group qualifiers, the Azzurri find themselves in the challenging ‘group of death’. Currently on an unbeaten run of four matches, with three victories and one draw, the Italians hope to replicate the heroics of three years ago, where they achieved a flawless record in the previous Euro group stages en route to their title triumph over England at Wembley Stadium.
Italy has averaged 1 goal per game in their last five international appearances, with under 2.5 goals occurring in 80% of those games (4 out of 5).
Having finished on top of their respective qualifying group, Albania could potentially make Group B very interesting. Preparations leading up to the Euros, through international friendlies, have yielded mixed fortunes, with two wins from four matches following Euro qualification. Most importantly, their form in the latter games has shown steady progress and much-needed momentum. The Red and Blacks have won two consecutive games, averaging three goals per game: a 3-0 victory against Liechtenstein followed by a 3-1 win against Azerbaijan.
Albania has averaged 1.2 goals per game in their last five international appearances, with over 2.5 goals occurring in 60% of those games (3 out of 5).
Head-to-Head
Italy have emerged victorious in all four encounters against Albania, with the most recent match a 3-1 win for the Azzurri back in 2022.
Betting
Italy 4/10
Draw 15/4
Albania 17/2
Prediction
Considering their dominant head-to-head record, it’s difficult to overlook the Italians in this matchup. The Azzurri also appear to be hitting their stride at the right moment having not conceded in their last three. They should showcase their clinical prowess and kick off the tournament with a convincing victory.
Suggested Bet: Italy to win to nil, Yes at 9/10
Click here for all of this week’s International football action
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
