Sweden U21 vs Italy U21
FreeToday’s game of the day is one that is eagerly anticipated by myself if only from a footballing perspective rather than a gambling perspective. UEFA European U21 Championship hosts Sweden U21 entertain Italy U21 in a game that could see the hosts qualify for the next round if they win. However, after Italy U21 drew with Serbia U21, they know this game is a must win for them or else they could find qualification for the next round slipping beyond their grasp – much like their international colleagues who lost to Egypt 1-0 last night in the Confederations Cup. I have to tell you though, I am really very impressed with Sweden U21. Their football is good, their players are talented, their mental strength is excellent and they’ve got a crucial home advantage on pitches that aren’t in the greatest of conditions. Italy U21 will be used to better playing surfaces and I don’t think they’ve got enough in the bag to trouble Sweden U21 with any significant attack. The Italian way of football is rapidly decreasing in efficiency as resilience and pace overtake it rapidly. Sweden U21 have both of these characteristics and they certainly have the drive to overcome their most illustrious hosts. Frankly, I think the bookies are underestimating them by placing them at 21/10 to win the game. That said, I’m more inclined to lean towards a Sweden U21 win at draw no bet odds of 5/4. If I had to pick a scoreline, then I’d look at 2-1 or 1-1.
Friday’s Picks
My tips:
There’s four games today that appeal to me and they’re listed below in no particular order:
Sweden U21 vs Italy U21 – home win with draw no bet at 5/4 – see introduction for full details
Belarus U21 vs Serbia U21 – Serbia U21 to win with -1.5 goal handicap at 5/4. Belarus U21 are in this tournament via grit and determination, something that won’t take them to the next level on their own. This was emphasised by their defeat at the hands of hosts Sweden U21 last match. Belarus U21 took the lead before promptly collapsing and losing 5-1. In terms of quality, I don’t see much difference between Serbia U21 and Sweden U21. The quality of the Serbs is more than apparent to anyone that keeps an eye on European football in general. They should prove far too much of a match for their opponents today and I’m confident on taking them with -1.5 goal handicap at 5/4. Another decent bet could be Zoran Tosic to score at any time (5/2) as his set pieces have been impeccable so far this tournament and the Italians are prone to giving away free-kicks unnecessarily.
Derry City vs Bray Wanderers – under 2.5 goals at 8/11. There’s no doubt in my mind that this game will be a home win. However, with some bookies quoting 1/4, there’s just no value in it. 8/11 aren’t the best odds around unless they are hit with a fairly large stake. I feel this could be a bet worth taking, however. Derry City are a better side with better players, better form and home advantage. Bray Wanderers can be resilient but largely ineffectual, particularly in front of goal. However, Derry City aren’t much good as goalscoring on their own turf, averaging a tiny amount over 1 goal scored per game. As they’re hosting a side that score an away goal once every two games away from home on average, under 2.5 goals looks quite nice to nibble on!
Bohemians vs Sligo Rovers – home win with -1.5 goal handicap at 11/10. Despite the hosts losing their last match, they’re without question the best side in the Republic of Ireland. They’ve won six home games from eight this season and average 2 goals per game at home. Basically, in my mind, there’s no doubt they’ll win this game. However, Sligo Rovers don’t have a terrible record away from home, having only lost three from eight games, which makes this handicap a little more dubious. However, the big selling point for the handicap here for me is that the home side have only conceded two goals at home all season. I can see a scoreline of 2-0 here so there’s certainly money to be made. As a final selling point, Bohemians have won this fixture 3-0 at home for the past two years running. 11/10 for -1.5 suddenly starts to look rather appetising, don’t you think?
UEFA European U21 Championship:
Sweden U21 vs Italy U21 (6) 2-1, draw no bet
Belarus U21 vs Serbia U21 (8) -1.5 goal handicap
Argentinian Primera Division:
Newell’s Old Boys vs San Martin de Tucuman (7) 2-1
Argentinos Juniors vs Banfield (8) 1-1
Chinese Super League:
Beijing Guoan vs Henan Jianye (8) 2-1
Qingdao Jonoon vs Tianjin Teda (6) 1-1
Irish Premier League:
Derry City vs Bray Wanderers (8) under 2.5 goals
Drogheda United vs St Patrick’s Athletic (6) 1-1
Bohemians vs Sligo Rovers (8) -1.5 goal handicap
Cork City vs Dundalk (7) 2-1
Latvian Virsliga:
Olimps Riga vs FK Jurmala (7) under 2.5 goals
Enjoy your free betting tips!