Euro 2008 Bet: Switzerland v Czech Republic

Switzerland v Czech Republic

June 7th, 17:00. Group A. Basel.

I don’t know why but this one feels like it’s got a draw written all over it.

It’s hard to gauge how the Swiss will be once the tournament starts. They’ve had some awful result in their pre-tourney friendlies but boss Kuhn has had some injuries to contend with and the support of a home nation can often carry them beyond their level. They’ve a solid look about them at the back – yes even with Senderos in there and in Alexander Frei they have a genuine goal-threat up front. I don’t buy into them buying tournament dark horses though – they simply don’t have enough quality players around the park.

The Czechs were quite impressive in the second half of their 3-1 friendly win over Scotland last week. but that was only after a few personnel and formation changes so it will be interesting to see how Bruckner starts this evening. It’ll be a tough match, opening the tournament against the hosts and I think Czech Republic will be happy to get the tournament kicked off without a defeat.

On paper the Czechs should be clear favourites but the bookies can barely separate the two and nor can I.

Normally I’d look to the Asian Handicap market in this instance and go with the team that has a start, but the main market is (0) – so it’s effectively a draw no bet market. There’s no point in siding with one team or the other.

Instead I’m going to go for an even number of goals to be scored. Obviously any kind of draw will mean that an even number are scored but it also means that if either of them manage to win 2-0, 3-1, 4-2 etc then I’ll also be onto  a winner. Evens is 9/10 at Bet365 and that will be the first bet of the Euro 2008 Selectabet Challenge

Selection: Even number of goals. £125 at 9/10 with Bet365

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