Euro 2008 Qualifiers betting and odds preview

Betfacts / Editor / 01 October 2007 / Leave a comment Free £25 Bet

Russia against England looks to be the game of the night for betting punters on October 17, with both sides still maintaining high hopes of qualifying for Euro 2008 from Group E.

England have played away to Russia, in different guises, on eight occasions and odds checkers will have noted that they have a decent record - winning three, drawing three and losing just two of those encounters.

Those having a bet though should also note that the match will take place on an artificial pitch in Moscow, which could have a big impact on the crucial qualifier.

Scotland's hopes of qualifying for Austria and Switzerland next summer could rest on an away win in Georgia, with betting punters likely to see Alex McLeish's men as firm favourites for victory.

Those having a bet should consider that Scotland beat Georgia 2-1 at Hampden Park in March, in the only previous meeting between the two sides.

Northern Ireland's qualification chances hang by a thread as they make the trip to Sweden in Group F, with the odds looking stacked against Nigel Worthington's men.

The Irish caused a major betting surprise when beating the Swedes at Windsor Park earlier this year, but the reverse fixture in Stockholm looks a lot tougher prospect.

Away from the home nations, the two other fixtures that are likely to stand out for those considering a bet are in Groups C and D.

Rivals Turkey and Greece go head-to-head in Istanbul and betting punters will have to take into account the previous meeting in Group C. Although 2004 champions Greece look in a good position to qualify, Turkey did win 4-1 in Athens.

Meanwhile, Germany and Czech Republic do battle in Munich with the hosts' unbeaten record likely to see them start as strong favourites in the betting odds on offer.

The World Cup semi-finalists, currently favourites in the betting for the Euro title, beat the Czech's 2-1 away from home and are poised to seal their place in the finals.