Euro 2016 – Group E betting preview and predictions

Belgium and Italy seem to be the favorites in the Euro 2016 Group D, but Sweden and the Republic of Ireland are not to be underestimated, as both sides can defend and proved able to snatch results against the big boys in the last year or so.

Previews, tips and predictions for the other Euro 2016 groups on our Euro 2016 blog

Euro 2016 Group E predictions

BELGIUM – odds to win Group E: 2.10 @ Ohmbet

The current Belgium generation of players would suggest that the team can go on to win any Euro or World Cup tournament and indeed they are one of the favorites to go far in France. A player for player analysis might reveal that Belgium has the most individual talent in the entire Euro 2016 competition. However, the team is yet to prove itself at International level. That`s not to say they did not perform, but there are some way off being deserving favorites to reach the final stages of International tournaments. Belgium had a solid qualifying campaign, winning their group, though they were given a run for their money by Wales. The Belgians haven`t been impressive in the pre – tournament friendlies so they are still a bit of an unknown coming into the Euros. The first couple of matches should determine if Belgium has a team that can try to go all the way here. They will need for one of Lukaku (moody), Benteke (out of form) or Origi (young) to step up as a reliable striker who can finish what the brilliant midfield creates.

  • Key players: Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard
  • Strong spots: Individual quality, Star Power, Depth, Strong midfield, Creativity, Good defense
  • Weak spots: Still not proven at International level, Offense can be inconsistent

ITALY – odds to qualify: 1.35 @ Bwin

Italy won its qualifying group against the likes of Croatia and Norway and might end up surprising a few people in this tournament. Squadra Azzura might not have the quality it once had, but they remain a legit contender for Euro 2016, playing pretty good football under Antonio Conte. With a relatively young and exuberant squad, Italy is showing some entertaining stuff on the pitch, playing with fast pace. Defense was solid as well in the recent friendlies, with Italy beating Scotland and Finland to nil in the weeks before Euro 2016. The lack of world class quality will probably prove fatal along the way though, especially with Italy lacking a reliable striker. The fact that the non inclusion of a MLS stiker (Giovinco) created uproar in Italy talks volumes about the mediocre talent in the squad.

  • Key players: Gigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini
  • Strong spots: Coaching and tactics, Counter attacking, Good form, Midfield
  • Weak spots: No reliable striker, lack of world class quality, Poor recent record vs. top teams

SWEDEN – odds to qualify: 1.66 @ Ohmbet

Sweden has failed to perform at final tournaments in the last few years and with most key players aging, Sweden doesn`t look much better this time around. They do have a destructive weapon in Zlatan Ibrahimovic and he always performed for the National team, but it always proved insufficient in the World Cup or the Euros, with Sweden exiting from the group stages (or failing to qualify) in each of the final events held since 2006. That`s not to say that Sweden does not remain a solid side. They only finished 3rd behind Austria and Russia in the qualifying group, but routed Denmark in the playoffs much easier than the 4-3 aggregate score suggest. One thing is certain, Ibrahimovic must be at his best if Sweden is to progress from the group stage – take him away and Sweden most likely ends up 4th – which might happen anyway.

  • Key players: Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Sebastian Larsson
  • Strong spots: Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Set pieces, Tactical consistency
  • Weak spots: No depth, Lack of creativity, Lack of overall quality, Aging key players

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND – odds to qualify: 2.30 @ Betfair

Republic of Ireland has managed to qualify for the second time in a row for the European Championships, but they will certainly aim to do better than last time, as back in 2012 they lost all three matches, allowing 9 goals and scoring only one. Ireland finished 3rd in the Euro 2016 qualifying group (though they did beat Germany at home) and surprisingly routed Bosnia Herzegovina in the playoffs with a 3-1 aggregate win. The Boys in Green are a pretty easy team to read, but not so easy to break down. Tactical consistency (which is a given with Martin O’Neill in charge) and solid defense are the characteristics of Ireland, who is the oldest team in the entire Euro 2016 tournament. No less than 3 players in Ireland`s squad have over 110 caps to their name (Given, O’Shea, Keane) and most key players are over 30 years old.

  • Key players: Robbie Keane, James McCarthy
  • Strong spots: Defense, Coaching / tactics, Experience
  • Weak spots: Old age, Lack of depth, Slow pace, No difference makers, Keeper position

GROUP E BETTING PREDICTION:
1. Belgium
2. Italy
3. Republic of Ireland
4. Sweden

BEST BET:

You will find all of our articles, group previews and betting talk in the Euro 2016 blog topic, both pre – tournament and during the tournament. When it all starts on June 10th, make sure to check out Betdistrict’s Euro 2016 tips, as we will have predictions for all the matches in France.

About Rostick

Born in '88. Running betting tips websites since 2007. Launched Betdistrict in 2013. Worked as a bookie for a year to spy on the other side. Rugby Union and NBA expert. Editor info & statistics.

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