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Belgium vs Tunisia
Saturday 23rd June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group G, Spartak Stadium, Moscow

Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 13:00

Belgium vs Tunisia – Belgium can qualify for the round of 16 with a victory when they face Tunisia on Saturday in Group G.

Roberto Martinez’s side kicked off their World Cup campaign with an emphatic victory against Panama. Despite the 3-0 scoreline, it took Belgium until the second-half to open the scoring. Romelu Lukaku then continued his fine run in front of goal with two goals to seal the victory. Belgium have incredible players on paper, but as usual, they failed to click in the first-half. Kevin De Bruyne, operating in a much deeper role, looked the most likely to break down Panama but in general, there was little purpose to their play. Defensively they were never really troubled, and once the first goal went in there was little doubt over the three points.

When Belgium face a bigger test, such as England, it will be interesting to see how they perform. Given their individual talents they rarely have to get out of second gear to win, but that will not be the case later on in the tournament. Although, as first games go, they’ll be pleased, with three goals and most importantly three points.

Tunisia will have to avoid defeat in this game to stand any hopes of qualifying for the round of 16. Harry Kane’s late goal subjected them to an opening-game defeat. Tunisia rode their luck for much of the first-half but after equalising from the penalty spot, contained England well. However, they were fortunate to avoid conceding a spot-kick themselves, with Kane twice being brought down. With that in mind, any bets regarding Belgium to be awarded a penalty could be good value.

Tunisia proved they are capable of causing problems going forward. Against Belgium, they have to avoid defeat, so it will be interesting to see if they play with a little more attacking intent. Belgium will need to play better in this match to win, but once again, their individual quality should carry them through.

Prediction: Belgium 2-0 Tunisia.

Suggested Tips –  Belgium vs Tunisia – (BET365):

  • Correct score,  Belgium to win 2-0 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips –  Belgium vs Tunisia – (SKYBET):

  • Belgium to score a penalty – 4/1.
  • Lukaku to score and win – 11/10.
  • Lukaku to score, Belgium to win to nil, Belgium to score 2+ goals and 6+ Belgium corners – 5/1. (NAP).
  • Hazard and De Bruyne to both score – 10/1.
  • Popular RequestABets – Eden Hazard 2+ Shots on Target, Lukaku 2+ offsides, and Alderweireld 2+ tackles – 18/1.
  • Scorecast Boost – Eden Hazard to score first and Belgium to win 2-0 – 28/1.

Markets and Prices Updated at 10:49 GMT on 23rd June 2018. Don’t forget – we will be previewing as many if not all the FIFA 2018 World Cup Group Stage games. Keep visiting Tips and Previews ahead of games to get our suggested tips and correct score picks for the games.

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Serbia v Switzerland
Friday 22nd June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group E, Kaliningrad Stadium, Kaliningrad

Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 19:00

Serbia v Switzerland – a crucial Group E match with both teams looking to continue their good starts.

An Aleksandar Kolarov thunderbolt free-kick saw Serbia beat Costa Rica 1-0 and top the group. If you haven’t already, go and watch it. A first World Cup win since 2010 was the ideal way to begin the tournament.

The Eagles have a lot of World Cup heritage under the previous nation’s titles. Yugoslavia have twice finished 4th (1930, 1962) and made it to the quarter-finals three times (1954, 1958, 1990). Today’s Serbia are not expected to reach those heights but in players like Manchester United’s Nemanja Matic and Lazio’s highly-coveted Sergei Milinkovic-Savic there is the capability to hurt anyone. Crystal Palace’s Luka Milijovevic and Southampton’s Dusan Tidac add further quality.

The aforementioned midfielders were highly impressive against Costa Rica and will need to be again here. The midfield battle will be key, with Granit Xhaka and Valon Behrami providing stern competition in the middle for Switzerland.

A win for Serbia will all but guarantee qualification from the group for the first time in 20 years. A draw would still be somewhat positive, however with Brazil left to play that is an unwelcomed risk. Hopefully despite the necessity to win, Serbia can remain faithful to the slick centralised passing that saw off Costa Rica. Serbia to win is 9/5 with bet365, or to win 1-0 is 13/2.

Switzerland are currently ranked 6th in the FIFA World Rankings. Yes, 6th. Many turn their noses up at that number, often citing selective friendlies or an outdated system as the reason. However, there is much more than meets the eye here.

Rossocrociati have lost only once in their previous 18 fixtures, which included a run of ten consecutive victories. In those 18 games, Switzerland kept 12 clean sheets, facing Portugal twice alongside last week’s World Cup opener against Brazil.

Vladimir Petkovic’s side earned that point against Brazil too. True, selecao were nowhere near their best but Switzerland limited Brazil to very little clear-cut chances. All the while looking dangerous on the break, particularly through Xherdan Shaqiri. The Stoke winger is an appealing 6/1 to be first goalscorer with SkyBet.

The stipulations are still very much in Swiss hands. A win here makes this comfortable, needing just a point in the last game against Costa Rica. Even a draw could be fine if Brazil beat both Costa Rica and Serbia on the last day. This would mean Switzerland would have to beat Costa Rica, but would be big favourites to do so anyway.

The lack of a prolific goalscorer often seems to be the glaring weakness for The Swiss, but solidity in defence, a quality goalkeeper in Yann Sommer and dangerous forwards in Shaqiri and the young Breel Embolo could produce something memorable in Russia. A win on Stephen Lichtsteiner’s (now of Arsenal) 100th cap would be special.

Both sides have proven over the last couple of years that they are solid and balanced. They could well cancel each other out, hoping for a moment of quality to perhaps decide it. With a match of this significance, that is often the case.

Prediction – Serbia 1-1 Switzerland 

Suggested Tips –  Serbia v Switzerland – (BET365):

  • Correct score, Draw 1-1 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips –  Serbia v Switzerland – (SKYBET):

  • Shaqiri to score from outside the penalty area – 12/1.
  • @FootyAccums RequestABets – Mitrovic 2+ shots & Shaquiri 1+ shots on target – 7/2. (NAP).
  • @FootyAccums RequestABets – Mitrovic to score a header & Shaquiri to score from outside the area – 50/1. (0.5pt Outsider).

Suggested Outsider Tips – 80/1 RequestABets and Above –  Serbia v Switzerland – (SKYBET):

  • Draw 1-1 and no booking points – 150/1. (0.25pt Outsider).
  • Draw 0-0 and no booking points – 200/1. (0.25pt Outsider).
  • Tadic and Shaquiri to score from outside the area – 250/1. (0.25pt Outsider).
  • Popular RequestABets – Mitrovic & Shaquiri to score and Ivanovic & Xhaka to be carded – 80/1. (0.5pt Outsider).

Don’t forget – we will be previewing as many if not all the FIFA 2018 World Cup Group Stage games. Keep visiting Tips and Previews ahead of games to get our suggested tips and correct score picks for the games.

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Nigeria vs Iceland
Friday 22nd June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group D, Volgograd Arena Volgograd

Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 16:00

Nigeria vs Iceland. The Europeans, Iceland will be hoping to build on their draw with Argentina with victory against Nigeria, with both sides needing a win.

Iceland impressed in their opening Group D match, drawing 1-1 with Argentina despite going behind. They defended for their lives and held a very impressive defensive shape, limiting Lionel Messi and co to speculative efforts on goal. When they needed their ‘keeper Hannes Thor Halldorsson, a part-time movie director, he came to the rescue – denying Messi from the penalty spot. After that impressive draw, a win against Nigeria could put them in a great spot to qualify from Group D. Despite playing on the counter-attack against Argentina, they looked dangerous in attack. Glyfi Sigurdsson was at his creative best despite missing the last two months through injury – he could be crucial in their next two group games.

Nigeria were lacklustre in their opening match defeat against Croatia. They gave away two sloppy goals and failed to pose any threat in attack, despite registering seven shots on target. The reality is, they never looked like scoring and that has to change in this next game. Realistically this is now a must-win match for Nigeria. If they don’t win they will be without any hope of snatching second place in the group.

Whilst there’s very little chance of Nigeria playing as poorly as last time, I still think Iceland will win. They showed a lot of grit and determination against a superior side. Now it’ll be interesting to see if they can translate that level of performance against a weaker opponent.

Prediction: Nigeria 0-1 Iceland

Suggested Tips –  Nigeria vs Iceland – (BET365):

  • Correct score, Iceland to win 1-0 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips –  Nigeria vs Iceland – (SKYBET):

  • Sigurdsson to score and win – 9/2.
  • Iceland to win to nil – 3/1.
  • Scorecast Boost – Victor Moses to score first and Nigeria to win 2-1 – 100/1. (0.5pt Outsider).
  • Draw 1-1 and no booking points – 100/1. (0.5pt Outsider).
  • Draw 0-0 and no booking points – 125/1. (0.5pt Outsider).

Don’t forget – we will be previewing as many if not all the FIFA 2018 World Cup Group Stage games. Keep visiting Tips and Previews ahead of games to get our suggested tips and correct score picks for the games.

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Brazil vs Costa Rica
Friday 22nd June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group E, Saint Petersburg Stadium, St. Petersburg

Live on ITV 1 – Kick-Off: 13:00

Brazil vs Costa Rica. The South-American favourites face Costa Rica in Group E, with both sides looking for their first win after disappointing results in their first World Cup matches.

The bookies’ favourites for the competition didn’t get off to the best of starts, as they were held by Switzerland. Despite taking the lead through Phillipe Coutinho’s wonder goal, Brazil surrendered their lead and drew 1-1. With Switzerland defending so deep and compact, Brazil struggled to carve a way through. Although they did have chances to win the game, which they should have converted, few would begrudge the Swiss of a point. Neymar found himself with swarmed by two men whenever he picked up possession; a sign of just how dangerous the PSG star can be. That result has left Group E wide open, with three teams already having points on the board. In order to avoid an embarrassing early exit, Brazil need to master how to break teams down and how to keep the lead once they have.

Costa Rica find already find themselves playing catch-up after they lost 1-0 to Serbia. Aleksandar Kolarov’s wonderful free-kick separated the two sides, although in truth it was a goal that Serbia deserved. Costa Rica’s main issue, as I expected before the tournament began, is scoring goals. They’re solid, without being spectacular, in defence but lack any sort of threat up front. Joel Campbell was a surprise omission from their starting 11 but looked the most dangerous when he joined the action as a substitute. Costa Rica look a shadow of the side that blew England, Italy and Uruguay out of the water four years ago. There appears to be little pace or energy; which was the hallmark of their side in Brazil.

Brazil need to seize control of Group E. Anything other than winning the group would be seen as a major underachievement – making this game a must win. Costa Rica offered very little against Serbia and whilst that was just one game, I’m struggling to see them taking anything from this match.

Prediction: Brazil 2-0 Costa Rica

Suggested Tips –  Brazil vs Costa Rica – (BET365):

  • Correct score: Brazil 2-0 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips –  Brazil vs Costa Rica – (SKYBET):

  • Price Boost – Jesus to score first – 4/1.
  • Coutinho and Neymar to both score – 11/4.
  • Neymar to score, Brazil to win to nil and 4+ Brazil corners – 7/4 (NAP).
  • Brazil to win, Coutinho 1+ shots on target, Jesus 1+ shots on target & Neymar 2+ shots on target and 4+ Brazil corners – 11/8.
  • Over 1.5 goals, Coutinho 1+ shots on target, 4+ Brazil corners and 20+ match booking pts – 11/8.

Don’t forget – we will be previewing as many if not all the FIFA 2018 World Cup Group Stage games. Keep visiting Tips and Previews ahead of games to get our suggested tips and correct score picks for the games.

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Argentina vs Croatia
Thursday 21st June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group D, Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Nizhny Novgorod

Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 19:00

Argentina Argentina will be hoping to open their account for the tournament when they face off against group-leaders Croatia on Thursday.

Lionel Messi endured a tough start to the World Cup, missing a crucial penalty as Argentina drew 1-1 with Iceland. Despite Sergio Aguero opening the scoring with his first ever World Cup goal, it was not enough to get them off to the perfect start. Argentina confirmed what a lot of people had already thought; going forwards they are dangerous but defensively they’re vulnerable. With Iceland sitting 11 men behind the ball and counter-attacking Argentina struggled to break a resilient rear-guard. Messi was swamped whenever he was in possession, whilst there was no room for Aguero to work his magic.

Croatia are unlikely to sit as deep as Iceland did. They have far superior footballers and will, therefore, look to play a more possession-based game. They got off to a dream start with a comfortable 2-0 win over a lifeless Nigeria. Luka Modric was influential as always before sealing the win with a second-half penalty. Croatia have an incredibly talented squad, especially in midfield, the main question mark hanging over them is can they score enough goals? They will be hoping for the likes of Ivan Perisic and Andrej Kramaric to help frontman Mario Mandzukic in order to fire them into the last 16.

Ravshan Irmatov is the referee for this game. The Uzbekistan official also officiated Argentina’s 4-0 defeat to Germany back in 2010. Over 164 international matches, he has averaged 3.43 yellow cards and 0.25 reds per game. Therefore, I would advise a maximum of 40+ booking points for this natch.

I can’t see this game being a particular high-scoring affair. It will be a tactical battle, in which neither side will want to lose. Therefore I’m going for a score draw, although Argentina will be desperate to get their first win of the tournament.

Prediction: Argentina 1-1 Croatia

Suggested Tips –  Argentina vs Croatia – (SKYBET):

  • Messi to score first – 11/4.
  • Draw – 1-1 – 5/1.
  • Perisic and Aguero both to score – 9/1.
  • Under 2.5 goals – 4/6.
  • Croatia double chance – 8/11.
  • Price Boost – Messi to score outside the area – 10/1.

  • RequestABet Specials Up to 10/1 – Over 1.5 goals, Messi 2+ shots on target & Mandzukic 1+ shots on target, 8+ match corners and 20+ match booking pts – 7/2. (NAP).

Don’t forget – we will be previewing as many if not all the FIFA 2018 World Cup Group Stage games. Keep visiting Tips and Previews ahead of games to get our suggested tips and correct score picks for the games.

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by ·Comments Off on France vs Peru – Match Preview

France vs Peru
Thursday 21st June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group C, Ekaterinburg Arena, Ekaterinburg

Live on ITV 1 – Kick-Off: 16:00

France vs Peru – France need to dispel the critics by convincingly beating Peru and solidifying their spot in the last 16.

Didier Deschamps’ talented team languished to a 2-1 victory over Australia last time out. Many fans and pundits criticised the uninspired performance from one of the tournament favourites. Antonine Griezmann and Paul Pogba both got on the score sheet but offered little else throughout the game.

Les Blues’ squad is littered with star power though, with it surely being a matter of time before it shines. A defence that includes Samuel Umtiti and Raphael Varane of Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively. Midfield options of N’Golo Kante, Pogba, Corentin Tolisso and Blaise Matuidi, or even Thomas Lemar or Steven N’Zonzi. Attackers like Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Nabil Fekir. Astonishing depth. Any neutral wants this squad to click and show us its true ability.

An appetising long shot is Dembele to score, France to win, 11 match corners and 30+ France booking points at a huge 33/1 with SkyBet. A 3-0 France victory is a boosted 12/1, also with SkyBet.

A win would surely see France into the last 16, although mathematically it depends on the Denmark v Australia result. This could be the beginning of a golden generation for France and as such could well be Deschamps last opportunity to achieve with it. Runners-up in their home European Championships in 2016, a similar or better return is demanded at this World Cup.

Peru are France’s obstacle, and will count themselves unfortunate to not get anything from their opening match against Denmark. La Blanquirroja were energetic, bold and adventurous but just couldn’t quite break down the resolute Danish defence in the end.

Key striker Paolo Guerrero lacked match fitness so started on the bench but is expected to lead the line here. Andre Carillo, who spent 2017/18 on loan with Watford, was Peru’s greatest threat. Carillo to score first is a boosted 20/1 with SkyBet.

The magnitude of the 1-0 defeat to Denmark, in their first World Cup fixture for 36 years, cannot be understated. It was billed as an early Group C 2nd place play-off and seems that way. Now, one would expect Peru need all three points against France, and/or Australia to beat Denmark, to realistically challenge.

France will surely have too much for Peru, who’s energy wavered late on against Denmark as space appeared in defence. The quality in the French team will have more control throughout and be able to punish the tiring defenders. These two have faced each other once before, France winning 1-0 in an 1982 friendly. The last South American team to best France at a World Cup was eventual winners Argentina in 1978. Peru are up against it.

Prediction – France 3-1 Peru

Suggested Tips –  France vs Peru – (BET365):

  • France to win 3-1 –  (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips –  France vs Peru – (SKYBET):

  • Scorecast Boost (Double Chance) – Antoine Griezmann to score first and France to win either 2-1 or 3-1 – 20/1.
  • Price Boost -Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe both to score in 90 mins – 5/1.
  • RequestABet up to 10/1 – Farfan and Pogba 1+ shot on target each – 15/8. (NB).
  • RequestABet up to 10/1 – Griezmann to score, France to win, 5+ Match Corners and 20+ Match Booking Points – 9/4. 
  • Price Boost – Andre Carillo to score first in 90 mins – 20/1.
  • RequestABet up to 10/1 – France to win, France to score 2+ Goals, 5+ France Corners and 20+ Match Booking Points – 11/4. (NAP). 

Don’t forget – we will be previewing as many if not all the FIFA 2018 World Cup Group Stage games. Keep visiting Tips and Previews ahead of games to get our suggested tips and correct score picks for the games.

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by ·Comments Off on Denmark vs Australia – Match Preview

Denmark vs Australia
Thursday 21st June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group C, Samara Arena, Samara

Live on ITV 1 – Kick-Off: 13:00

Denmark vs Australia – the Australians require a victory to give themselves any chance of making the last 16 against Denmark who can secure qualification with a win themselves.

The Socceroos were embroiled in VAR controversy during their narrow 2-1 loss against France in their first game. A penalty was given for France’s opener that was subject to a contentious VAR decision.

An equalising Mile Jedinak penalty wasn’t enough as Paul Pogba surged forward to claim a French winner. Australia put in a respectable performance, showing they have enough to compete despite what people thought before the tournament started. Huddersfield’s Aaron Mooy was particularly impressive, his energy and incisive passing a real positive throughout.

Only three points will be adequate for Bert van Marwijk’s team. The Dutch coach has experience and pedigree at the World Cup, taking his home nation to the Final in 2010.

However, this is a totally different challenge. The Socceroos have only ever qualified from the group stage once, in 2006, and not fancied to do so here. There is no reason why Australia cannot go out and beat Denmark though. Australia to win 1-0 is 11/1 with SkyBet. An outside shot could be striker Andrew Nabbort to score first and Australia win 2-0 or 2-1, at 66/1.

The three points already separating the two sides is a large mountain to climb. Denmark beat Peru 1-0 thanks to Yussef Poulsen’s goal but were not the better side. Peru would often blitz forward but lacked the ingeuinity in the final third to create clear-cut opportunities. Christian Eriksen typically provided a moment of quality, sliding a neat pass into Poulsen who slotted past the keeper.

Poulsen to score the game’s only goal in a repeat result in this one is 40/1 with SkyBet. Whilst Eriksen to turn up and net from outside the box is 9/2. The Spurs man has an incredible return of 16 goals in his last 18 international games.

With France left to play, Age Hareide’s men know that a positive result is crucial too. A win, and France getting a draw or better against Peru would secure Denmark’s place in the last 16.

The Danish Dynamite are not expected to replicate the momentous 1992 European Championship winning side. However, there is a bunch of talented and dedicated players in the Denmark ranks that could provide a real shock. Especially with a rock-solid defence.

Denmark vs Australia will be televised live in the UK on ITV 1 with kick-off at 13:00 GMT.

Prediction – Denmark 2-1 Australia

Suggested Tips –  Denmark vs Australia – (BET365):

  • Denmark to win 2-1 –  (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips –  Denmark vs Australia – (SKYBET):

  • Christian Eriksen to score outside the penalty area – 9/2.
  • Scorecast Boost (Double Chance) – Andrew Nabbort to score first and Australia win 2-0 or 2-1 – 66/1.
  • Popular RequestABet – Over 1.5 goals, 5+ Denmark corners, 3+ Australia corners and 10+ booking points each team – 3/1.

Don’t forget – we will be previewing as many if not all the FIFA 2018 World Cup Group Stage games. Keep visiting Tips and Previews ahead of games to get our suggested tips and correct score picks for the games.

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by ·Comments Off on Iran vs Spain – Match Preview

Iran vs Spain
Wednesday 20th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group B, Kazan Arena, Kazan

Live on ITV 1 – Kick-Off: 19:00

Iran vs Spain – Iran and Spain face off in the second round of group matches at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Surprise group toppers Iran will be high in confidence after their dramatically late victory over Morocco.

Meanwhile, Spain need three points after Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat trick, sealed by a late free-kick that stripped two points from the free-scoring Spanish. Their manager woes are still taking headlines after a defensively unconvincing display.

Diego Costa shot many of his critics down with an impressive brace against Portugal. The first goal illustrated his strength and brute force that many pundits said would be a contrasting style of play to the rest of his Spanish teammates as a disadvantage. Costa is 5/2 on SkyBet to score first.

Iran attacker Sardar Azmoun caused Morocco the most problems from the Iranian team that won the first match. His pace caused real problems on the counter attack. Azmoun is 14/1 to strike first.

Don’t let the group standings deceive you. The Spanish are heavy favourites for this encounter, priced at 2/11 to win. Their talent is exceptionally superior with Isco pulling the strings in the middle. He put in a man-of-the-match performance and was cruelly outshone by Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat trick. He is priced at 13/8 to assist a goal in 90 mins.

Spain do in fact have a solid defence despite conceding three in their last match. Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos should not have too many troubles during the match, and David De Gea will be hoping for a quiet match and a clean sheet after his mistake in their opener. The Manchester United goalkeeper is 4/11 to keep a clean sheet this time around.

Iran were not strangers to the referee’s pocket against Morocco with three yellow cards. They could be racking the cards up again against this tricky, inventive Spain attack.

Iran vs Spain will be televised live in the UK on ITV with kick-off at 19:00 GMT.

Prediciton – Iran 0-4 Spain 

Suggested Tips –  Iran vs Spain – (BET365):

  • Spain to win 4-0 –  (link no longer available).
    – The Spanish proved they haven’t let their manager issues faze them too much. They should cruise to victory.

Suggested Tips –  Iran vs Spain – (BET365):

  • Costa, Isco & Silva 2+ shots on target each – 4/1.
    The Spain attack should be peppering the Iranian goal for the duration of the match.
  • Diego Costa to score a header – 13/2.
    – The target man striker is capable of bullying the Iran defence and is a presence in the box, especially from corners.
  • RequestABet up to 10/1 – Spain to win to nil, Spain to score 2+ goals and 5+ Spain corners – 11/8 (NB).
  • Spain to win to nil, Spain to win by 2+ goals – 5/4 (NAP).
    – Both of these look a shout – expecting a few goals from Spain and not expecting much threat from Iran on the Spanish goal – these could be lumpers.

Don’t forget – we will be previewing as many if not all the FIFA 2018 World Cup Group Stage games. Keep visiting Tips and Previews ahead of games to get our suggested tips and correct score picks for the games.

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by ·Comments Off on Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia – Match Preview

Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia
Wednesday 20th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group A, Rostov Arena, Rostov-On-Don

Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 16:00

Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia – Uruguay can secure their passage into the last 16 with victory against a deflated Saudi Arabia.

Against Egypt, Uruguay were true to form. They weren’t entirely convincing but had enough quality to get the job done, winning 1-0. Luis Suarez’s poor finishing required Jose Gimenez to step up and head a late, heart-breaking winner.

Gimenez has scored headers in each of his last two games, doing so again is a boosted 12/1 with SkyBet. Additionally, Suarez is the type of player who will be innately hungry to put his last performance right. The Barcelona striker to score first (in what will be his 100th cap) and Uruguay to win is 9/4 with bet365.

Gimenez’s Atletico Madrid partner Diego Godin was undoubtedly the best player on the pitch. Edison Cavani showed some nice touches. However, in general there was a lack of fluidity in the side. Players like Giorgian de Arrascaeta and Juventus’ Rodrigo Bentacur really failed to impress. This could leave the door open for Arsenal-bound Lucas Torreira to get the nod in midfield.

2010 semi-finalists, La Celeste are seen by many as dark horses for this World Cup. With two of the planet’s best strikers and central defenders however, there isn’t much dark about it. Uruguay will expect to comfortably win this group and mount a serious challenge in what could be Cavani, Suarez and Godin’s last chance at a World Cup.

Oscar Tabarez’s team will be raring to put any critics to rest, by winning and guaranteeing qualification from the group. Albeit, against what seems to be a woeful Saudi Arabia side. The Green Falcons were dismantled 5-0 by the hosts in the opening match, to many fans’ surprise. The inability to deal with what has been labelled the worst Russian team in decades was damning.

Saudi lacked creativity and defensive organisation, the subsequent lack of concentration cost them dearly. This could be down to the disruption of having the managers in three months when new coach in Juan Antonio Pizzi was appointed. As ex-Chile coach Pizzi has been in his role since November of 2017 that excuse would be futile. A win is an absolute necessity should Saudi want to qualify, but really anything they get will be a bonus.

Pizzi’s men will find it hard against a brilliantly organised Uruguayan defence and especially with the constant threat of world-class talent up the other end to worry about. Uruguay have won with clean sheets in 13 of the previous 17, winning 5 of the last 13, 3-0. Saudi Arabia winning their first match at the World Cup for 24 years seems unlikely at best.

Kick-off at 16:00 BST, Wednesday 20th June, Rostov Arena live on BBC 1 in the UK.

Prediction – Uruguay 3-0 Saudi Arabia

Suggested Tips – Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia – (BET365):

  • Correct score: Uruguay to win 3-0 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips –  Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia – (SKYBET):

  • Price Boost Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez both to score in 90 mins – 2/1.
  • Price Boost Jose Gimenez to score a header– 12/1.
  • RequestABet upto 10/1 -Suarez to score, Uruguay to score 3+ goals and Uruguay / Uruguay HT/FT – 15/8. (NAP).
  • RequestABet upto 10/1 – Uruguay to win to nil, Over 1.5 Goals, 8+ Uruguay corners and under 60 match booking points – 2/1 

Don’t forget – we will be previewing as many if not all the FIFA 2018 World Cup Group Stage games. Keep visiting Tips and Previews ahead of games to get our suggested tips and correct score picks for the games.

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by ·Comments Off on Portugal vs Morocco – Match Preview

Portugal vs Morocco
Wednesday 20th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group B, Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow

Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 13:00

Portugal vs Morocco – Portugal are hoping to maintain their momentum by beating Morocco and get within touching distance of the last 16.

Cristiano Ronaldo is the name, once again, on everyone’s lips. The world stood up and took notice as the legendary forward scored a hat-trick against 2010 World Cup victors Spain in the previous match. This included a simply magnificent 88th minute free-kick to salvage a point for the current European Chapmions. The all-time record Portugal goalscorer to net from outside the box again is 15/2 with SkyBet.

The game against Spain finished 3-3 and was unquestionably the best match of the finals to date. It had everything. Fantastic football, drama, intrigue, and quality in abundance. Many labelled their 2016 European Championships win as a fluke but Portugal proved they mean business. Any team the Selecao’s (11 clean sheets in the last 17) and Ronaldo up front will do.

Beating Morocco would put Fernando Santos’ team in a wonderful position going into the last group game against Iran. Iran won their first World Cup match for 20 years with the game’s only goal in injury-time against the former. The Iran fans were sent into raptures. Their defensive resilience, and the performance of goalkeeper Alizera Beiranvand deserved it.

Rene Havard’s Morocco face the most challenging task possible to quality now. With Portugal and Spain left to play two victories are realistically needed, which is obviously no mean feat. A lack of fluidity in passing and chance creation was prevalent last time out.

The Atlas Lions have the quality in the squad though. Names such as Hakim Ziyech and Younes Belhanda, alongside captain Medhi Benatia of Juventus are top players that can challenge.

There is no sugar-coating it, however, Portugal are massive favourites. With an on-fire Ronaldo and the creative spark of Goncalo Guedes and Bernardo Silva behind him it will be tough. The Manchester City playmaker to score first and Portugal to win 3-1 is a massive 100/1 with SkyBet.

Morocco didn’t concede a single goal in qualifying, and only conceded from a freak lapse of concentration against Iran. So, there are no slouches at the back. Portugal will surely have too much to handle though, especially with a certain Real Madrid man as hungry as ever.

Portugal vs Morocco will be televised live in the UK on BBC 1 with kick off at 13:00 GMT.

Prediciton – Portugal 2-0 Morocco 

Suggested Tips –  Portugal vs Morocco – (BET365):

  • Correct score: Portugal to win 2-0 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips –  Portugal vs Morocco – (SKYBET):

  • @FootyAccums RequestABet – Ronaldo to score, Portugal to win by 2+ goals, 6+ Portugal corners and 20+ Morocco booking pts – 8/1.
  • Scorecast Boost – Bernardo Silva to score first and Portugal win 3-1 – 100/1.
  • RequestABet upto 10/1 – Over 1.5 Goals, Ronaldo 2+ shots on target, 8+ match corners and 20+ match booking pts – 13/8.
  • RequestABet upto 10/1 – Portugal to win to nil, 5+ Portugal corners and under 60 match booking points – 3/1 (NAP).

Don’t forget – we will be previewing as many if not all the FIFA 2018 World Cup Group Stage games. Keep visiting Tips and Previews ahead of games to get our suggested tips and correct score picks for the games.

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