SlipsTips has cast his eye over the Olympic football matchday one slate and he has identified a double involving two of the pre-tournament favourites.
France vs USA (Wednesday 20:00)
France will get their Olympics football campaign up and running when they meet the USA in Marseille on Wednesday night.
The host nation head into the soccer showpiece as the bookmakers 9/4 favourites on Bet 365.
French legend Thierry Henry will lead the national team this summer and his side will look to make an early statement of intent against the USA.
Meanwhile, the Stars and Stripes will make a long overdue return to the Olympic stage after a 16 year absence.
Marko Mitrović’s men have been housed in Group A alongside Guinea, New Zealand and matchday one opponents France.
Understandably, France are short-priced 4/11 favourites to win their opening fixture but I’m going to include that selection in the first half of a 4/5 double on Bet 365.
The French have long had a reputation for churning out world class talent, meaning their under 23 contingent for this Olympics is stacked with talent, with the likes of Bayern Munich bound Michael Olise in their ranks.
On top of this, Les Bleus boss Henry has made some astute looking choices when it comes to selecting his three over-age players, with Alexandre Lacazette, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Loïc Badé all on board.
In contrast, the USA's squad isn't exactly full of household names, so they will most likely have earmarked their fixtures to follow with both Guinea and New Zealand as their best hope of forging a path to the knockout round.
With that in mind, France look well placed to come through their maiden match of the tournament with maximum points.
Uzbekistan vs Spain (Wednesday 14:00)
As 5/2 second favourites in the outright betting, Spain are expected to ease their way into the tournament by claiming top honours against Uzbekistan on Wednesday afternoon.
La Roja were the last European side to land an Olympic men's soccer gold medal and they will surely draw inspiration from the senior side following their Euro 2024 exploits.
Spain boss Santi Denia has included two members of Spain’s all-conquering squad from the Euros, not to mention Barcelona duo Eric Garcia and Pau Cubarsi have also been called up.
Having been placed alongside the aforementioned Uzbekistan, as well as Egypt and the Dominican Republic in Group C, the Spanish should comfortably seal their passage to the knockout rounds.
In a game where they will be massive underdogs, minnows Uzbekistan are unlikely to put up too much resistance, so back Spain to score at least two goals in the French capital.
Combining a Spanish brace alongside a French success should give us a good run for our money at 4/5 on Bet 365.
Recommended Bet
- France to Win
- Over 1 Spain Goal
- Double – 4/5 (Bet 365)
Freelance Sports Writer and Betting Analyst with over five years experience. I’ve written football and darts betting content for some of the biggest betting websites and newspapers in the UK. With a strong passion for the fascinating world of Scottish football, I also regularly feature in Nutmeg, the much-loved Scottish football magazine. Falkirk season ticket holder and avid watcher of football and darts, whether it be UK-based or further afield. Feel free to follow me on X @SlipsTips
