After a few disappointing recent tournaments the Spanish could have the chance to ease their way in to Euro 2020 thanks to a relatively low-key group. SlipsTips takes a look at how Group E might unfold and brings us his best bets.
Spain are among the favourites to win Euro 2020 (9/1, BetVictor) and they will be expected to comfortably navigate their way through Group E where they will come up against Poland, Slovakia and Sweden.
The Spanish took the world by storm by winning Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 but they have since been eliminated early in each of the last three showpieces they have entered.
Sweden, meanwhile, lost only one game in qualification, to Spain, and they could once again pose a threat to their familiar Spanish foes in Group E.
Janne Andersson’s side reached the 2018 Fifa World Cup quarter-finals, their best tournament finish in 24 years, so nobody will be taking the Swedes lightly this Summer
Poland qualified comfortably with a couple of games to spare but that wasn’t enough to save boss Jerzy Brzeck who has since been replaced by Paulo Sousa.
Sousa is the least experienced international manager at the finals but he could yet have joker up his sleeve, in the form of Robert Lewandowksi, who has banged home the goals in the Bundesliga this year at a record-breaking rate.
Slovakia are the weakest team in the section and recent stalemates with international minnows Cyprus and Malta would suggest that Stefan Tarkovic’s side represent a decent bit of value to finish bottom of the pile at 4/5 with Betfred.
Who will win the group?
Spain have hardly pulled up trees at a major tournament since 2012, but they have been handed an easier group than some and should seal their passage to the knockout stages as group winners at a lowly 4/11 with Ladbrokes.
What’s more, all three of Spain’s group matches will be played on home soil in front of some supporters at the Estadio La Cartuja in Seville.
Indeed, both Poland and Sweden could have a say in proceedings, but home advantage and a favourable draw should see Luis Enrique’s side secure top spot in Group E.
Who will qualify?
There looks to be a close-fought battle on the cards for second spot behind Spain but I fancy Sweden to finish as group runners-up at a general 15/8.
Andersson raised the bar by taking Sweden to the World Cup quarter-final and that solidity that served them well, coupled with the help of new attacking options, should see the Swedes through to the last-16.
Backing Spain and Sweden to qualify on the dual forecast looks like a nice way in at 6/4 with William Hill.
Players to watch?
Ferran Torres was the star of the show for Spain when they savaged Germany 6-0 last November and he’s priced up at 11/1 with SkyBet to be named best young player of the tournament.
The Man City winger has racked up six strikes in 10 appearances for the national side and he could play a major role in his country’s bid to be crowned European champions.
Another rising star to keep an eye on is Sweden’s Alexander Isak who’s special talent is constantly compared to the injured Zlatan Ibrahimović, and he could seize his moment to shine.
The Real Sociedad striker scored 17 goals in La Liga this season and Sweden’s new sensation looks nicely priced at 10/3 with BoyleSports to finish the tournament as his nation’s leading marksmen.
Group E Tips
- Spain-Sweden dual forecast – 6/4 William Hill
- Slovakia to Finish Bottom – 4/5 Betfred
- Alexander Isak Top Sweden Goalscorer – 10/3 BoyleSports
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