Wales v N.Ireland / Switzerland v Poland: 4/1 betting tip

Switzerland v Poland

Both Switzerland and Poland are two of the sides who perhaps slipped under the radar somewhat during the groups. Neither team set the world alight, but both went quietly about their business and qualified for the last 16 relatively comfortably. At least in terms of points anyway, Switzerland may have enjoyed some good fortune at times.

For Poland a 0-0 draw against world champions Germany was sandwiched between two single-goal victories against Northern Ireland and Ukraine. Switzerland were also unbeaten, recording 1-1 and 0-0 draws after beating Albania 1-0 on matchday one.

From a betting point of view this one is fairly tricky to call in terms of a winner, both sides look more than capable and you get the feeling that we might not have seen the best of either. The bet that catches the eye is both teams to score at 6/4.

Now a both teams to score outcome may have only come about once in the collective six games of these two teams at EURO 2016 so far, but these figures don’t necessarily tell the full story. Firstly the new format didn’t do too much for the excitement and thus goalmouth action in the groups. Teams were very much playing it safe simply because they could. Having won their opening games, as heavy favourites, both teams could afford to conserve themselves in their second and especially third games.

On the face of it, with only one goal conceded between them, both teams could be construed as strong defensive units, but again this number is misleading. Switzerland were very lucky not to concede in their opener, as Albania missed two huge chances. In their second game they did concede and could easily of conceded more. And finally their last game against France was very much a dead rubber right from the off. Poland, on the other hand, weren’t really defensively exerted against Northern Ireland and against Germany both teams seemed happy to settle for the point. And their final game against Ukraine could’ve easily seen them concede.

All in all we’re talking about two sides who offer plenty going forward, both have players who can cause each other problems, while neither are short of searing pace, particularly out wide. It is fancied that this can be the catalyst for exposing two less than assured defences.

Wales v Northern Ireland

The fact that these two home nations made it to the finals, a first for both countries, was impressive, but the fact that they’ve both managed to book a place in the last 16 is even more so. And having got this far neither will want to go home just yet, but sadly one will have to, such is the nature of knockout football.

Of the two sides it is Wales who made the better impression during the group stages. They started the tournament in good fashion with a 2-1 win over Slovakia and were unlucky not to get a point against England, before their good work culminated in the 3-0 demolition of Russia last time out. That win saw them finish top of the pile, in front of rivals England. At times during their three groups games the Welsh played some expansive football and looked a real threat going forward. Of course having one of the worlds finest players in Gareth Bale does them plenty of favourites too and, having already scored three times, the Real Madrid forward is in fine form.

As for Northern Ireland, despite the fact that making it out of the groups is a fine achievement, this might just be as far as they can go. The Green Army Looked a little negative on occasions during their first three matches and although they only conceded two goals, this was probably more down to a lack of opposition accuracy than anything else, especially against Germany. Northern Ireland certainly won’t be found wanting for effort, but they might just struggle to keep pace with an improving Welsh side.

Overall the Welsh look the superior outfit in this one and as they’re coming off the back of an emphatic win against Russia, Bale & Co. should have enough about them to make it through to the last eight.

Enhanced odds! To get ‘Bale To Score & Wales To Win 2-0, 3-0 or 4-0’ at 7/1 (was 5/1) click here. 

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