Ahead of Euro 2008 and a spectacular summer of sport, we talk to Philip Wilson, chief trader of JAXX, Newcastle United's official betting partner...

A bookies bonanza was how Euro 2004 was widely described. Little wonder. Greece came from nowhere to take the title. They were 50/1 shots to win it with some firms, or a £10 bet for a return of £500. Nice work if you can get it.

But though the bookies are not expecting nearly so much business this summer after England's failure to reach the final stages in Switzerland and Austria, JAXX head trader Philip Wilson says Newcastle United fans will have plenty of opportunities to make money. We asked him for his top tips.

Who are the punters backing to win Euro 2008?

"Germany. They have been backed down to 4/1 favourites with JAXX. We have a large base of German customers who have already started to put the patriotic money down. We fully expect this to continue as the tournament gets ever nearer. So there certainly won't be any traders here at JAXX cheering the Germans."

Klose, Podolski or Ronaldo? Who would you want in your fantasy team?

"With 21 goals and six assists between them in the qualification stages, all three would be a great asset. But to pick just one I think you would opt for Klose, simply because he has a proven record of scoring in major tournaments. Five goals in both the 2002 and 2006 World Cups show that he is the man for the big occasion."

What result would be the best for you?

"In an ideal world, Austria - they are the 80/1 outsiders! But realistically our best result would be Holland. Marco Van Basten's men are 12/1 to win it, but very few of our punters have deemed that price as value."

"Romania are 10/1 to win C. They topped their qualifying group ahead of Holland after going on a 10-game unbeaten run. They are well organized, have a good manager in Victor Pi?urc?, and they love to attack - sometimes at the expense of defending.Adrian Mutu and Ciprian Marica, who scored eleven goals between them in qualifying, are a good combination up front."

What's a must-see game?

"Portugal's clash with the Czech Republic (Wednesday, June 11) looks like being a fascinating clash in Group A. The Czechs finished ahead of Germany in their qualifying group and beat them 3-0 in Munich, without several first-choice players. That may have been a blip, though. We would not necessarily expect to see that form repeated if the two met again."

What bets will you personally be having?

"I have already had a fairly lumpy bet on Portugal a few months back! With the squad they have, including arguably the world's best player in Ronaldo, and a proven winner for a coach in Scolari, I think they have as good a chance as anyone. I've also had a small bet on France's Karim Benzema to be top scorer at 25/1. The Lyon striker is lightning quick and, if given the opportunity, will score goals."

If you had to put your life on one bet for Euro 2008, what would it be?

"Germany to win Group B. They have so much quality and strength in depth in a relatively easy group. Only Croatia really have the potential to cause an upset in that Group, but they will be hit by the loss of Eduardo."

What Special Bets will interest punters?

"The top-goalscorer match bets are always fun. Germany's Miroslav Klose might score more than Italy's Luca Toni, while Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo may get more than Liverpool's Fernando Torres. We've got bets on the fastest goal in the tournament, total own goals scored, total headed goals? you name it, we'll have a market for it."

What outsider will give punters a real run for their money?

"Switzerland, who open against the Czech Republic on Saturday. They are 25/1 shots, but host nations have a good record in this tournament. In fact, every single host (bar Belgium in 2000, who co-hosted with eventual semi-finalists Holland) has reached the semi-final s."

What about a winner for this weekend?

"Germany to beat Poland on Sunday. The price is reflective of their chance though."