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Bookmaker Ratings v WhoScored Tipster Battle: Round 16
Gabriele’s tips:
Iceland v Hungary (in full here)
The bookmakers name Iceland as favourites here – it’s all because of the result of the draw against Portugal, no doubt. That was very impressive indeed, but that game could have easily ended with a big win for Portugal, and if that happened, nobody would be making Iceland a favourites here. Hungary on the other hand are coming off a 2:0 win over Austria. Tactically this one will be interesting as both teams played on the break in their opening games, but I think Hungary were very impressive against Austria and 2/1 on their win here is simply too big.
Switzerland v France (in full here)
France obviously had a few wobbles against Albania just as they did against Romania in the opener. That’s why I guess they are not as big favourites as I would have expected. But Switzerland simply aren’t going to defend as well as Albania managed too in my opinion. They’ll feel the pressure to go for a win since a place in the Round 16 is pretty much locked up. And in all honesty I can see France winning again here, maybe going for France -1 goal handicap, that’s pretty generous at 5/2.
Martin’s tips
Iceland v Hungary
Both of these sides have come this far due to their defensive organisation and togetherness rather than any great quality within their ranks, so I’d expect this to be a tight, low scoring affair. The two underdogs in Group F secured arguably the biggest upsets of the opening round of fixtures, and while Iceland picked up an excellent point against Portugal, unfancied Hungary were particularly impressive in their win over Austria, securing the highest ream rating from WhoScored.com thus far (7.20).
Bernd Storck’s side would love to seal their progression to the next round with a win which could even enable them to top the group, but a draw wouldn’t be a bad result either. Iceland need all three points more ahead of their final group game with Austria, but I see this being a stalemate, stretching the odds further by backing under 2.5 goals to boot @3.50.
Switzerland v France
Hosts France may already be through to the round of 16 but they will be keen to end an underwhelming performance in Group A on a high. Indeed, if they were to slip up against Switzerland, Petkovic’s men would leapfrog Les Bleus to the top of the table, which will be incentive enough to really go at Deschamps’ side, safe in the knowledge that their place in the next round is all but assured.
With changes likely to be made to both sides I’d expect chances at either end and hopefully a more entertaining game than either have managed to produce thus far – with France having left it late against both Romania and Albania. The odds on the hosts to win are actually appealing enough @2.00, but I’d be tempted to look a little longer, opting for a France win and both teams to score @4.50.
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