The Euros
France v Romania
The 2016 European Championships kick off today with host nation France against Romania. Although it is not always easy to judge from friendlies, France have looked in very good form over the past year or so and come into this tournament as outright favourites. They have a really well rounded squad with no real obvious weaknesses and also have Paul Pogba, who I think will be one of the stars of the tournament.
Romania are a solid, if unspectacular team, who only conceded two goals in ten games during the qualification period and went through unbeaten. It does however need to be put into some context, this was a group which they finished in second place behind Northern Ireland and therefore was not a strong group. They are ranked 19 in the world though and will come into this game with a very defensive set up and I'm sure they will be extremely happy to come away with a point.
With the weight of expectancy of a nation I can see France being very nervous at the start of this match and if they don't get an early goal this could hinder them. I do they will have more than enough to dispose of this limited Romanian side, it may just take a little longer than others are predicting.
France are a very short price in the 'to win' market but I think there is a little bit of value in the 'to win to nil' price of 10/11. Romania score very few goals and it is hard to see them causing too many problems for a solid France defence, especially given the thought that they will be extremely defensive minded themselves.
16:20 York
Richard Fahey has two in this race and they are both near the head of the betting in this six furlong fillies handicap.
Giddy has run well on both of her starts so far this season finishing second and third and I really like her chances in this today. She is still just a three year and looks to be on a very lenient mark of 79, which I am sure will rise a lot over the next year. This is a very open race with plenty having chances, however running off a feather weight of eight stone one pound, I think she has an excellent chance of at least making the frame.
Today's Selections
France v Romania - France to win to nil - 3 points @ 10/11 (Most firms)
York 16:20 - Giddy - 1 point each way @ 7/1 (Ladbrokes, Skybet)