Ahead of the Curve: Experts' Best Bets for Euro 2024 opener!
Before becoming a Sports Journalist for Free Super Tips, Aaron spent three years studying Sports Journalism at the University of Sunderland while taking in the Black Cats' 'glory years' under Martin O'Neill. Now back in Northern Ireland he turns niche stats into predictions for FST, while he's one of the few people on this island who is equally comfortable at Windsor Park and the Aviva.
The build-up to Euro 2024 continues here on FST, after a week of outright tips and team previews.
Priced up with bet365, our four experts have delivered their favourite bets for the opening game of the tournament on Friday night, when hosts Germany take on Scotland.
Best bets for Germany vs Scotland
Aaron Rogan
Best Bet – Germany and both teams to score
Germany look better but they have struggled to keep opponents out, conceding in 12 of their last 14 games. They beat Greece 2-1 in their final warm-up game and the Greeks had six shots on target and an Expected Goals tally of 2.2, so there are opportunities for Scotland if they put pressure on the hosts’ defence.
Scotland have issues of their own, winning once in nine games and conceding at least twice in seven of those matches. Germany will give them openings, but the hosts’ exciting front three supported with vital contributions from Kroos should see the hosts bounce back from any defensive issues.
Dan Childs
Best Bet – Germany -1.5
Germany -1.5 on the Asian handicap (meaning they would need to win by at least two goals) looks a solid bet at a shade of odds-on.
Scotland seem to have gone backwards since clinching qualification and were on a seven-game winless run until their unconvincing 2-0 victory over Gibraltar. Germany are progressing nicely under Julian Nagelsmann and could go deep.
Phil Agius
Best Bet – Germany -2
Unless first-night nerves strike the host nation, Germany should make a comfortable start to the tournament. I’d back the hosts on the -2 goal handicap to score a clear-cut victory in Munich and get the party started in style.
Warren Ashurst
Best Bet – Draw HT / Germany FT
Scotland’s lack of attacking threat is a big concern and I expect Steve Clarke to get his team to sit in and try and frustrate the hosts for long periods.
Germany have been level at the break in their last two games, while Scotland have been drawing at half-time in two of their last four matches at the time of writing.
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