The biggest football events to look forward to in the second half of 2024
The second half of 2024 should be truly memorable for football fans, with the upcoming schedule packed with a host of unmissable events.
Sports bettors will also be in their element as online sportsbooks clamour to offer the most competitive odds on football competitions.
Many punters will use this list of betting sites not on GamStop to extract the best value to ensure they maximise their returns on any winning bets.
Whether you are a casual fan or a committed football bettor, this guide to football in the second half of 2024 will help you identify some eye-catching wagers.
European Championship
The 2024 European Championship is well underway, and several teams have staked a strong claim to be crowned as continental champions this summer.
They include Spain, Germany and Portugal, who have all produced impressive performances during the group stage of the competition.
However, they have all landed in the same half of the draw in the knockout stage, which means only one of them will be able to progress to the final.
Teams in the other half of the draw potentially have an easier route to the final, which opens up the possibility of pinpointing a value bet.
Italy are a best-priced 7/1 to make it to the final in Berlin on July 14. Those odds look too big given underperforming England are in the same section of the draw.
Copa America
Defending champions Argentina were the first team to qualify for the 2024 Copa America quarter-finals after Lautaro Martinez’s late goal secured a 1-0 victory over Chile.
Odds of 7/4 look good value for a team that will be desperate to secure another continental success for legendary talisman Lionel Messi.
The 37-year-old was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet against Childe, with his first-half effort from 30 yards out bouncing back off the post.
Brazil will likely be the biggest threat to Argentina, although they were held to a goalless draw in their opening group game against Chile.
Uruguay could also be dangerous under former Leeds United Marcelo Bielsa, and odds of 21/10 to reach the final could be worth a punt.
Summer Olympics
The men’s football tournament at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris will be an entertaining showcase of some of the best up-and-coming players in the world.
Each nation must pick a squad of under-23 players for the tournament. They are also allowed to choose a maximum of three overage players.
France, Argentina and Spain are the favourites to win the gold medal and it would be a major surprise if another team emerged victorious.
The hosts could be tough to beat on home soil, while Argentina will fancy their chances after knocking out reigning champions Brazil in the qualification phase.
However, Spain are good value at odds of 11/4 to win the tournament given that their squad is packed with some of the finest young talents in the world.
Premier League
The 2024/25 Premier League season starts on August 16 and sports bettors have a plethora of markets to choose from ahead of the big kick-off.
Reigning champions Manchester City are priced at 13/10 to win the title for the fifth successive season, and it would be a brave move to back against them achieving the feat.
The top-four finish market is well worth checking out for punters who fancy putting a little more jeopardy in their football wagers.
Manchester United leap off the page as a value bet at odds of 9/4, particularly as their squad should be much stronger after the summer transfer window.
If the Red Devils can avoid injuries this term, they are more than capable of securing Champions League qualification by finishing in the top four.
Champions League
The Champions League will have a new look in 2024/25, with UEFA expanding its top club competition to incorporate 36 teams.
Man City are the 11/4 favourites to lift the prestigious trophy, but punters should look no further than Real Madrid for the winners of the tournament.
The La Liga giants won the title for the 15th time last season and are strongly fancied to add another success to the club’s glittering roll of honour next term.
They have strengthened their squad with the signing of forward Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain, and he is a good bet to win the top scorer prize.
Bayer Leverkusen could spring a few surprises after romping to the Bundesliga title last season and are worth considering as potential quarter-finalists.
Europa League
The Europa League gives Manchester United the opportunity to start building their shattered reputation on the European stage.
The Red Devils booked their spot in the competition by winning the FA Cup and will be desperate to make a serious bid to follow up in UEFA’s second-tier competition.
Bookmakers have yet to publish odds on the Europa League, but the Red Devils will likely be priced at around 8/1 when they are released.
Erik ten Hag’s side should give punters a good run for their money as they strive to win another piece of major silverware under the Dutchman.
With squad improvements on the cards at Old Trafford this summer, Man United are fancied to mount a strong bid to win the Europa League.
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