Euro 2024 Qualifiers Preview and Goalscorer Treble Tips

Opening Night Matchups, Form and Betting Context

The international calendar returns with Euro 2024 qualifying kicking off, and there is a clear emphasis on goalscorers for the opening fixtures. This expanded guide complements our picks and helps explain the thinking behind a treble of Ramos, Grifo and Dzeko while encouraging responsible betting for readers aged 18+.

“As international football resumes for the first time since the World Cup in Qatar, the opening round of qualifiers for Euro 2024 begin on Thursday night.

With the competition just under 15 months away in Germany, punters will no doubt be on the goals trail.

We’ve picked three goalscorers to find the net on opening night to build the perfect treble.

Goncalo Ramos

Two of our picks come from Group J.

First, we look to Lisbon as Portugal entertain Liechtenstein and Goncalo Ramos looks a good bet to score.

For the hosts, a potential goal fest could be on the menu as they face a side who have conceded at least twice in all of their last five games.

Beaten also 9-0 by Germany in November 2021, new boss Roberto Martinez will be looking to make an opening qualifiers statement.

Admittedly at a very short price, Ramos looks primed to net with Cristiano Ronaldo still in tow.

Lighting up the World Cup with a hat-trick against Switzerland, the Benfica striker has four in his last four league game also and Ramos looks set to be in the goals again.

Vincenzo Grifo

Needing some value to boost the treble, we next look to Vincenzo Grifo.

As Roberto Mancini looks to inject fresh blood into his Italian set-up, Tigre prospect Mateo Retegui could make his international debut.

However, the SC Freiburg man is our pick.

With Italy meeting England for the third time in less than a year, the Azzurri winger is blossoming under the tutelage of Christian Streich in Germany.

Despite being taken down by Juventus in the Europa League, the Bundesliga side are on course for a Champions League spot, driven by Grifo.

Sitting joint-second in the Bundesliga scoring charts alongside Christopher Nkunku and Marcus Thuram, the Italian forward has become a penalty king also.

Already having scored four for his country, Grifo has two braces, most recently back in November away to Albania.

Edin Dzeko

Our third and final selection and our second pick from Group J focuses on Bosnia and Herzegovina and their still firing skipper, Edin Dzeko.

Though he may not be in the best scoring form for Inter, Dzeko is remains the likeliest candidate to find the net for his country.

As Bosnia welcome Iceland to Zenica, Dzeko is set for a remarkable 127th cap on Thursday and has scored in over half of his last seven appearances.

Netting in Bucharest in their final Nations League qualifiers game against Romania, Dzeko also grabbed a brace here at Bilino polje when last they played a home game.

A goalscorer treble of Ramos, Grifo and Dzeko to score is 11/1 with Betfred.

 ”

Why Goncalo Ramos Is a Strong First-Night Pick

Ramos benefits from a favourable fixture and a Portugal attack that remains heavy in quality and chance creation, making him a natural target for early opportunities. Form, minutes at club level and Portugal’s tendency to dominate possession against lower-ranked nations all point to him receiving multiple scoring chances on the night.

Portugal v Liechtenstein: Tactical and Form Notes

Portugal should control the ball, create wide overloads and feed the striker through crosses and cutbacks, which suits Ramos’s profile as a penalty-area finisher. Liechtenstein’s recent defensive record suggests space in behind and set-piece vulnerability, increasing the likelihood of clear scoring chances.

Vincenzo Grifo: Set-Pieces and Goal Threat Analysis

Grifo’s goalscoring is driven by set-piece responsibility and a role that allows him to arrive late into the box, combining chance creation with direct threats from free-kicks and penalties. When Freiburg are creating chances regularly, Grifo’s presence on penalties and advanced positions gives him an above-average probability of finding the net in a single international fixture.

Italy squad changes and Grifo’s scoring outlook

Mancini’s rotation and willingness to try different attackers can open minutes for Grifo, and a confident club run usually translates to more assertive national-team performances. If Italy dominate lower-ranked or evenly-matched opponents, Grifo is a credible goal threat from open play and set-pieces alike.

Edin Dzeko’s International Record and Expected Role

Dzeko’s pedigree at international level remains considerable and he typically operates as the focal point of Bosnia’s attacking play, making him the default pick for a goalscorer market. Even if club form is inconsistent, Dzeko’s experience, aerial ability and penalty-taking history mean he often retains the clearest route to a goal for his country.

Bosnia v Iceland: Dzeko’s experience vs opposition

Iceland can be physically robust but sometimes struggles to defend aerial and late runs into the box, areas where Dzeko excels, particularly at home. With Bosnia hosting, the captain will likely lead the line and see the majority of finishing opportunities created by his midfield and wide players.

Matchday variables that affect goalscorer selections

Selection risks, last-minute injuries, weather and pitch conditions all materially affect a goalscorer market and should be checked before placing a bet. Team sheets and confirmed starting line-ups are essential pre-match information; a substitution pattern or tactical tweak can completely change the likelihood of a particular player scoring.

Reading bookmaker odds: what the prices imply

Odds reflect both probability and bookmaker liability, so very short prices suggest a high expectation of scoring but also limited value compared with slightly longer options. Comparing prices across multiple firms and understanding market movement can reveal where the market has adjusted for team news or public money.

How injuries, rotation and travel shape scoring chances

Players returning from travel or recent injuries may be rotated or substituted early, lowering the chance they finish the match and score, so factor minutes when sizing bets. Managers often protect key players early in qualifiers, so looking at pre-match hints and club schedules is a practical part of smart selection.

Using statistics smartly for goalscorer selections

Focus on recent minutes played, shots in the box, expected goals (xG) per 90 and set-piece duties to form a rounded view of a player’s scoring probability. Raw goal counts are helpful but must be contextualised with role changes, penalties and the quality of recent opponents to avoid misleading conclusions.

Treble Strategy, Odds Context and Responsible Play

A treble combining Ramos, Grifo and Dzeko increases potential returns but also multiplies risk, so stake sizing should reflect this and be kept to a small, affordable fraction of your betting bankroll. Avoid chasing losses, keep stakes consistent with a pre-set plan and remember that betting should be entertainment for those aged 18 and over.

How to size stakes with a treble responsibly

Decide on a fixed percentage of your entertainment budget for any accumulator rather than increasing stakes after losses. Small unit stakes on trebles are a pragmatic way to target bigger odds while maintaining responsible control over exposure.

Practical pre-match checks and last-minute guides

Always confirm starting line-ups, substitution patterns and referee appointment before placing a final bet, as any of these can influence attacking output and goalscoring opportunities. Keep an eye on late team news from official federation channels and reputable sports journalists to avoid bets placed on outdated information.

Comparing markets and using bookmaker tools effectively

Shop around for the best prices across bookmakers to maximise value, and use price alerts or comparison pages to pick up favourable odds; small differences matter on accumulators. Consider alternate markets such as anytime scorer, first scorer or multi-player markets if they offer a better risk-reward balance for your view.

How form cycles and fixture congestion impact national teams

Club fixture congestion and travel fatigue can depress a player’s scoring likelihood, while a run of good club form often carries over to international minutes for confident finishing. International managers will weigh fitness and minutes when naming teams, so short-term club trends should inform your assessment.

What to expect from market movement on matchday

Odds can shorten or lengthen based on team-sheet leaks, injury updates or significant public money and it pays to be nimble if you have confirmed intelligence that shifts the probability of a player scoring. Avoid impulsive bets driven by social media rumour and rely on trusted sources for confirmation.

You can explore current bookmaker offers through our comparison tools if you choose to bet responsibly at 18+; find our recommended sign-up deals and free bets on our free bets page for new-customer offers.

We also list new-customer casino bonus offers and affiliated promotions on our casino bonus page for readers who want to compare non-sports sign-up deals responsibly.

Common questions on goalscorer picks and betting

Is a goalscorer treble likely to offer good value?

Value depends on the prices available and your assessment of probability versus odds; trebles can offer good value occasionally but are inherently higher risk. Always compare odds and back only selections that fit your research, keeping stakes responsible and under 18+ only.

How should I manage stakes on a three-selection treble?

Use a fixed staking plan where trebles are a small percentage of your entertainment budget, and avoid staking larger amounts to chase losses. Keeping stakes modest preserves your bankroll and reduces the emotional impact of losing bets.

What factors increase a player’s chances to score?

Key factors include starting status, minutes played, set-piece duties, recent shot volume and the quality of the opposition’s defence. Combining these elements gives a clearer picture than relying on headline goal totals alone.

Are short-priced favourites always the best option?

Short-priced favourites are more likely to score but often offer little value relative to slightly longer-priced options, so weigh probability against return. Where possible, compare prices across bookmakers to identify the most appealing risk-reward balance.

Where can I compare bookmaker odds and free bet offers?

Use our bookmaker comparison pages to view current odds and sign-up free-bet offers from regulated UK bookmakers, and always check T&Cs for wagering requirements. Remember to bet only if you are 18 or older and to gamble responsibly.

What responsible gambling steps should I take before betting?

Set a clear budget, use deposit limits and consider time-outs if you feel your betting is becoming problematic, and seek support if needed. Betting should be a form of entertainment for those aged 18+, not a way to solve financial problems.