Stan James Early Euro 2016 Offer – £5 free bet every time your top-scorer scores

Would nearly punt an e/w for this tbh, break even after 5 goals, fiver profit for any after that and potential to win on the bet too.

Top tip – pick a German 😉

Cheers for the heads up @mrspencer111

8 more teams in the Finals this time round though, which introduces a whole extra round of matches (Round of 16).

It also waters down the quality of teams in the groups, which could lead to more goals there too.

Personally I like having an interest in the outcome, so I would do this as a punt regardless, although I will look to get a close match on Muller or Ronaldo nearer the time.

Some of the biggest mis-matches in terms of how the bookies rate the teams (using outright odds) are below, and remember France have home advantage.

Group A
France 7/2 vs Albania 500/1
France 7/2 vs Romania 150/1

Group C
Germany 7/2 vs N. Ireland 500/1
I don’t see Germany putting many past Ukraine or Poland.

Group D
Spain 11/2 vs Czech 125/1

Group B
England 7/1 vs Slovakia 150/1

Winners of A,B,C and D all face an (easy?) third place team in Last 16. E, F have a potentially tougher prospect of a runner up team in the Last 16.

Also, runners up in Group A (France’s) and Group B (England’s) will avoid group winners in the Last 16. So even if either slightly slip up, they get a 2nd chance for a nice route through the rounds and potential for more goals for their star strikers.

It all points to a lot of goals for France (Griezmann/Giroud/Martial).

Portugal also have a couple of easy ones on paper Hungary, Iceland and even Austria. But apart from Ronaldo – Portugal aren’t a great side themselves – but that’s the thing “apart from Ronaldo”. He will be fancying his chances knocking in a few past those teams. I don’t think they will go to far overall though, so Ronaldo will need to bag a hat trick or two in the group stages to put himself in with a chance. The runner up of the Belgium/Italy/Sweden/Ireland group will be sending Portugal home in Round 2 (Come on Ireland!).

Anyway, bookies odds will have been compiled taking all that into account – the deal is to pick the bet that is the best value ie closest to the market value according to the exchanges (lowest qualifying loss).

Keane’s legs are gone, I will be looking for a new talent to emerge during the finals.

It’s looking bleak though, no youth coming through, youngest member of the provisional squad looks like 23, youngest striker is 28 (McGoldrick). The main strike force will be Walters(32), Long (29) and Keane(35). Wouldn’t want money on any of them!

Hoping for Brady, McCarthy and Hendrick to step up and make a name for themselves. And for Coleman to be at his ever dependable, confidence-inspiring best.

Went for Muller e/w £10 punt. Was very tempted by Martial 26.0/30.0 looks like the lowest QL but its the type of pick that could fall flat on it’s face – on one hand I can see him struggling for minutes, but on the other hand I can see him grabbing bagfuls of goals.

Took the safe option.

Although should have waited much closer to the tournament to make sure of no injuries etc! Oh well.