Euro 2020 Betting: Germany look vulnerable favourites in Group C

Qualification for the 2020 European Championships gets underway on Thursday and Group C presents an interest punting puzzle.

The bookmakers see a two-horse race between Germany (11/20) and Netherlands (31/20) in terms of who will grab top spot.

Northern Ireland come next in the 888Sport's Euro 2020 betting at 30/1 (31.0) ahead of Belarus (100/1) and rank outsiders Estonia at 300/1 (301.0).

Germany have endured a dismal few months on the international stage and could be vulnerable favourites worth opposing. Joachim Low's side were defending champions at the World Cup in Russia last summer but were dumped out at the group stage after defeats to Mexico and South Korea.

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The 59-year-old remains in charge although results in the past few months have done little to lift the spirits. Die Mannschaft took just two points from their four Nations League matches, finishing bottom of the group and suffering relegation as a result.

Netherlands were also in Group One, finishing top of the table courtesy of wins that included a thumping 3-0 victory over the four-time World Cup winners in Amsterdam last October.

Such a poor showing on the field has forced Low to shake things up off it, ruling out the possibility of Jermone Boateng, Mats Hummels and Thomas Muller being called up for the national team again. Only three of the team crowned champions in Brazil five years ago now remain part of the squad.

With Germany appearing to offer little value at such a short price, the value could lie in backing Netherlands to top Group C at 31/20 (2.55) with 888Sport.

The Oranje have had their fair share of issues in recent years too, failing to qualify for France 2016 or the World Cup last summer. However, their displays of late have painted a much brighter picture of what to expect of Ronald Koeman's side going forward.

The Dutch have a chance to secure their spot at Euro 2020 in June courtesy of the Nations League finals where they'll square off against England, who are currently favourites to win the competition.

Should Koeman's men triumph in Portugal, they may choose to experiment in the regular qualifying campaign but even then, Germany don't appear to pose the tough challenge that they have in previous years and look too short a price.

What's more, Netherlands and Germany square off twice in the first three games of Group C. Low's side will need to hit the ground running to avoid falling behind the Oranje, especially with so many new faces being brought into the fold and the second favourites appear the best bet at 31/20 (2.55).

Netherlands to win Group C at 31/20 (2.55) for a 2.5pt stake with 888Sport 888Sport