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Poland vs Senegal
Tuesday 19th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group H, Spartak Stadium, Moscow

Live on ITV 1 – Kick-Off: 16:00

Poland vs Senegal – Poland and Senegal begin their 2018 World Cup campaign in this Group H showdown.

Both nations cruised through their qualifying groups with Senegal not losing a single match whilst Poland only lost one but still finished five points to the good ahead of Denmark.

Poland and Senegal share the same attribute in having a key talisman among their ranks. Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski who spearheads the Polish attack and Liverpool winger Sadio Mane who will be a nuisance for all opponents.

Poland captain Lewandowski is one of the tournaments dangermen and some people’s outsider to win the golden boot, SkyBet offering odds of 33/1. Mane will be the quickest and trickiest player on the pitch and has proved his worth on the big stage by scoring in the Champions League final a few weeks back. He is 11/2 to score first.

Poland have been in rather rampant form during their warm-up matches and are favourites to win the match, priced at 13/10 on SkyBet. Their most recent outing saw them demolish Lithuania 4-0, with Lewandowski grabbing a brace. They also faced non-qualifiers Chile in a 2-2 draw with the captain finding the net again.

Senegal, priced at 11/5, have dealt with rather difficult opposition pretty well in their warm up matches. Despite taking the lead against Croatia, two late second half goals settled the tie for them however they bounced back with a 2-0 victory over South Korea.

The match is a close one to call, as both nations are capable of being a ‘surprise package’ for this tournament. Poland are a rather well drilled, physical side whereas Senegal are also well organised defensively but will be looking to utilize their nimble forwards in Moussa Sow, Diafre Sakho and Sadio Mane. The stamina of Idrissa Gueye and Cheikhou Kouyate in the middle could also be a promising presence for the African outfit. I feel Senegal are very possible of causing an upset.

Bahraini referee Nawaf Shukralla will take charge of this fixture. The 41-year-old officiated at the last World Cup in 2014 – but will have the helpful assistance of VAR that has been at the front of many topics of discussion.

Predicition: Poland 1 – 1 Senegal 

Suggested Tips –  Poland vs Senegal – (BET365):

  • 1-1 draw – (link no longer available).
    – It’s tough to divide these two sides. Lewandowski and Mane pose a similarly dangerous threat.

Suggested Tips –  Poland vs Senegal – (SKYBET):

  • Robert Lewandowski to score first – 11/4
    – Great odds for the deadliest finisher on the pitch. If he is provided early service and is supported well by Arkadiusz Milik then there will be no stopping him.
  • Under 8 match corners – 2/1
    – Both nations have managed few or no corners in their recent matches. The game could be rather tactical, with little counter attacks leading to corners.
  • RequestABet Specials Up to 10/1 – Poland v Senegal – Lewandowski & Mane 2+ shots on target each – 7/2.

by ·Comments Off on Colombia vs Japan – Match Preview

Colombia vs Japan
Monday 19th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group H, Mordovia Arena, Saransk

Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 13:00

Colombia vs Japan – In an extremely competitive Group H, 2014 quarter-finalists Colombia face Japan looking to justify their status as favourites to qualify.

Colombia are sweating on the fitness of Bayern Munich star, and 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner, James Rodriguez. The attacking midfielder netted six goals in CONMEBOL qualifying as Colombia finished fourth, behind Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil.

Jose Pekerman’s side truly impressed at Brazil in four years ago. A 4-1 victory in this fixture the peak of the sumptuous attacking football seen. A repeat of that result is a boosted 50/1 with SkyBet. Colombia crashed out to the hosts last time but are strongly fancied to go just as far in Russia.

However, this will be a different sort of test. It may be Los Cofiteros’  best team in decades but that sort of tag brings its own pressures. Winning just twice in the past nine games isn’t ideal pre-tournament form either. After missing the last World Cup through injury, Colombia will, however, be able to call upon record goalscorer Radamel Falcao.

Falcao failed to impress in England but has been on fire upon returning to parent club AS Monaco. 54 goals in 79 appearances over the past two seasons is a brilliant return, and as a result has been installed as captain. Falcao to score first and Colombia to win 1-0 is a tasty 22/1 with SkyBet.

Group H should prove a massive challenge for Japan to navigate. Two capable teams in Poland and Senegal make up the rest of the group, seeing Japan labelled as the underdogs.

The Blue Samurai topped Group B in Round Three of the Asian Confederation’s World Cup qualifying. Both Saudi Arabia and Australia (who needed a play-off) finished a point behind.

Japan’s biggest pre-World Cup news is that they sacked manager Vahid Halilhodzic and gave the reigns to Akira Nishino. Nishino got the qualification job done by guiding the country through to their sixth successive World Cup. However, somewhat of a stir has been caused by dropping star Shinji Kagawa.

Kagawa isn’t the only big name in the team though. 2015/16 Premier League winner Shinji Okazaki and cult hero Keisuke Honda are both in the ranks. The latter has been involved in five of Japan’s six goals at the previous two World Cups and if Japan were to cause a shock the ageing playmaker, now 32 and at Mexican side Pachuca, will surely be at the heart of it.

Japan to win, 11+ match corners and 50+ match booking points is an outrageous 100/1 with SkyBet. How’s your luck?

Colombia are unbeaten in all of their previous three meetings against Japan, and *should* have enough quality to ensure victory. Pekerman’s team might need to with how close this group promises to be.

Colombia vs Japan will be televised live in the UK on BBC 1. Kick off is at 19th June 13:00 BST, Mordovia Arena, Saransk.

Prediction – Colombia 2-0 Japan

Suggested Tips –  Colombia vs Japan – (BET365):

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

Suggested Tips –  Colombia vs Japan – (SKYBET):

  • Falcao to score first – 2/1.
  • Price Boost – Falcao 2 shots on Target and 1+ Offside – 5/1.
  • RequestABet Up to 10/1 – Over 1.5 Goals, 5+ Colombia Corners, 3+ Japan Corners and 10+ booking points each team – 4/1 (NAP).
  • RequestABet Up to 10/1 –  Draw 0-0 and 0 booking points – 125/1 (cover).
  • Scorecast Boost: Falcao to score first and Colombia win 1-0 – 22/1.

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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Tunisia vs England
Monday 18th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group G, Volgograd Arena, Volgograd

Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 19:00

England kick off their World Cup campaign against Tunisia, with Gareth Southgate’s youthful squad hoping to make a positive start in Group G.

Two wins from their last two warm-up friendlies is promising; as is England’s form since the former Middlesbrough boss took over. There is a clear style to the Three Lions’ play, a system, an identity – something they have been lacking for many years. A lot of people have described this England group as one of the least talented, given the players gone by in previous years. The ‘golden generation’, which contained masses of medals, trophies and countless honours, have now been and gone.

What England are left with is a group of unified players. A happy, confident-looking bunch. That positive atmosphere breeds; it’s written across all the players’ faces. It’s worth remembering that whilst England may lack a midfield maestro, like a Paul Scholes, they do have Harry Kane – one of the world’s best strikers. Kane struggled in France two years ago in his first international tournament. Now, as newly-appointed captain, the pressure is even greater for the Spurs forward to deliver. England have to build around him to have any hopes of progressing to the latter stages of the tournament.

Tunisia come into the game as firm underdogs. With Belgium and England expected to fight it out for top spot, they will be hoping to go under the radar and cause an upset. Ensuring victory against Panama and avoiding defeat in one of their other game looks to be their only hope. Their chances may be slender, but there is always a chance. They will be hoping for big performances from former Sunderland winger Wahbi Zhakri and striker Youssef Msakni. Msakhni was their top scorer in qualifying and has scored seven goals for them in the last 18 months.

Wilmer Roldan is the referee for England’s opening match. This is the Colombian’s second World Cup, having officiated four years ago against Brazil. In 125 international matches he has averaged 5.34 yellow cards and shown a penalty in 0.3 of his games. Therefore, any penalty bets might be worth a look whilst I’d advise 40+ booking points for the match.

For the first time in a while, the whole country seems behind England heading into a major tournament. Nobody expects them to lift the trophy, but there is a quiet sense of optimism. I expect England to get off to the perfect start on Monday, although as often is this case, nothing is ever straightforward with the Three Lions.

Prediction: Tunisia 0-2 England

Suggested Tips –  Tunisia vs England – (BET365):

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

Suggested Tips –  Tunisia vs England – (SKYBET):

  • Harry Kane to score first – 2/1.
  • Both Players to Score – Sterling & Rashford both to score – 7/2.
  • England to win to nil – 1/1.
  • England to win to Nil, 6+ England Corners, and 20 + Match Booking points – 2/1 (NAP).
  • England to score 2+ goals and 20+ Tunisia booking pts – 7/4.

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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Belgium vs Panama
Monday 18th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group G, Fisht Stadium, Sochi

Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 16:00 GMT

Belgium vs Panama – Belgium will be hoping to remove their tag as ‘dark horses’ by announcing themselves on the world stage when they kick off their campaign against Panama.

In the last two major tournaments, Belgium have been tagged as everyone’s ‘wildcard’. With the talent within their squad, it’s time for them to come of age. Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku are just a few names in a star-studded team that will all be crucial to their hopes in Russia. Lukaku, in particular, has been in fine form for his country of late. He is now their record scorer having surpassed the previous record of 31 back in November, before scoring 29 goals in his debut season for Manchester United. With Messrs Hazard, KDB and Dries Mertens supplying him, he should grab a hatful of goals this summer. Lukaku will lead the line in every match he’s available and as a result, he isn’t a bad bet for the golden boot award.

Belgium’s real problem has always been trying to get their star names to gel. They have always looked like 11, incredibly talented, individuals on a pitch. Roberto Martinez’s main task is to turn them into a more fluid, cohesive side. At the back, they should have Vincent Kompany available despite trudging off in their latest warm-up friendly.

Panama secured their place in the World Cup on goal difference. They finished third in their qualifying group and avoided the play-offs by the tightest of margins. They picked up 13 points from ten games, winning just three. Roman Torres was their top-scorer in qualifying but the striker has just recovered from injury and it remains to be seen whether he will be at his best. With that in mind, their fortunes may rely on goalkeeper Jaime Penedo and New York Red Bulls defender Fidel Escobar. Both were key men during qualifying and come into the tournament off the back of good seasons with their respective clubs.

Without being disrespectful, the main aim for Panama is to avoid getting thumped. Therefore, I expect Belgium to comfortably win. They will be far too strong for Panama but the Red Devils will need to be patient to break down their five-at-the-back rearguard.

Belgium vs Panama will be televised in the UK on BBC 1 with kick-off at 16:00 GMT.

Prediction: Belgium 3-0 Panama

Suggested Tips – Belgium vs Panama  – (BET365):

  • Correct score: Belgium 3-0 – (link no longer available).
  • Over 2.5 Goals and Both Teams to Score – No – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Belgium vs Panama  – (BET365):

  • Lukaku to score a brace – 11/4.
  • Belgium to win by three or more goals – 11/8.
  • Hazard to score first – 7/2.
  • RequestABet Specials Up to 10/1 – Belgium v Panama – Belgium to win to nil, Belgium to win by 2+ goals, 5+ Belgium corners and 20+ match booking pts – 9/4. (NAP).

Tips updated at 12:45 on 18th June.

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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Sweden vs Korea Republic
Monday 18th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group F, Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Nizhny Novgorod

Live on ITV 1 – Kick-Off: 13:00 GMT

Sweden vs Korea Republic – Sweden and South Korea meet in what already looks like a must-win game for both countries should they wish to advance from the very difficult Group F.

Both sides fought hard to make it to Russia. After a brilliant qualifying campaign, Sweden finished 2nd to France in Group A but saw off the challenge of perennial World Cup outfit Italy in the play-offs to seal their place.

Korea started brightly, winning seven qualifying matches without conceding a goal in the second round. The third was not so easy. Shock defeats to Qatar and China brought the end of Uli Stielike’s reign and former u23 coach Shin Tae-yong was hired to steady the ship. Which he did, helping The Reds qualify for their 10th World Cup and ninth in a row. The most achieved by any Asian side.

Germany and Mexico face off in this group’s other game of the matchday. Reigning champions Germany are nailed on to get out of the group. Mexico have reached the Round of 16 in the last six World Cups. This screams trouble for both Sweden and Korea, once again highlighting the importance of three points here.

Sweden head coach Janne Andersson has created a strong team ethos, who are well-organised and defensively sound. They all work for each other. The omission, or lack of presence of the monstrous individual that is record-goalscorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic, may or may not have something to do with that.

There is still genuine quality in the squad, however. Marcus Berg has filled the large scoring shoes of Ibrahimovic, hitting eight in qualifying. RB Leipzig playmaker Emil Forsberg is a player with the ability to change a game too. Forsberg is 17/2 to be first goalscorer with SkyBet, an excellent price.

Sweden have good World Cup pedigree, coming runners-up to Brazil in 1958 and third in 1950 and 1994 too. However, it would take something rather miraculous for the Scandinavians to replicate those heights.

It would be even more unlikely should Korea do anything of the sort. Even getting out of the group would be a massive achievement. In Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-min there is real star power though. History has told us that such an asset can take a team beyond their perhaps otherwise unfancied means. Both Son and Sweden’s Marcus Berg to get on the scoresheet is 15/2 with SkyBet.

Other notable players include highly-rated RB Salzburg youngster Hwang Hee-Chan, and captain Ki Sung-yeung of Swansea City, who has now made over 100 international appearances. There is perhaps a lack of experience in the squad, as only 5 players have over 50 caps, but Korea may well spring a surprise.

Prediction – Sweden 2-0 Korea

The Swedes will remain solid and have too much for Group F’s underdogs. That result can be found at 15/2 with SkyBet.

Sweden vs Korea Republic will be televised live in the UK on ITV 1 with Kick Off at 13:00 GMT.

Suggested Tips – Sweden vs Korea Republic  – (BET365):

  • Sweden win 2-0 – (link no longer available).
  • Sweden to win to nil – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Sweden vs Korea Republic – (SKYBET):

  • Both Players To Score – Sweden v South Korea – Emil Forsberg and Son Heung-min – 12/1.
  • @FootyAccums RequestABet – Marcus Berg to score, Sweden to win, over 1.5 goals, 3+ corners each team and 10+ booking points each team – 8/1.
  • First Goalscorer – Emil Forsberg – 17/2.
  • RequestABet Up to 10/1 – Sweden to win or draw, over 1.5 goals, 3+ corners each team and 10+ booking points each team – 3/1.

Tips updated at 11:15 on 18th June.

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 Brazil vs Switzerland – Match Preview

Brazil vs Switzerland
Sunday 17th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group E, Rostov Arena, Rostov-On-Don

Live on ITV 1 – Kick-Off: 19:00 GMT

Brazil vs Switzerland – Brazil will be hoping to kick off their World Cup campaign with a bang when they face Switzerland on Sunday in Group E.

With Neymar back fit and firing, Brazil will be confident of their chances this summer. The Brazilian missed the last three months through injury but has returned in style, grabbing two goals in his last two games. The PSG winger looks sharp and now fully rested as he aims to lead his side to glory. The main selection dilemma for Tite is upfront with both Roberto Firmino and Gabriel Jesus vying for the number nine role.

Jesus is expected to pip the Liverpool forward to starting berth, although Firmino offers a great option from the bench. Phillipe Coutinho will also be hoping to carry his late-season form for Barcelona into the yellow kit of Brazil, where he is expected to start on the right of a three-man attack. Since taking over as manager, following their humiliating 7-1 defeat to Germany on their own backyard, Tite has transformed Brazil. Now, four years on, they are one of the most fancied sides to win the tournament, alongside world champions Germany.

Switzerland needed the play-offs to secure their spot in this year’s tournament, with Portugal topping their qualifying group. They managed to secured their place in the World Cup following a 1-0 aggregate win over Northern Ireland. Stoke City winger Xherdan Shaqiri will be hoping to earn himself a move away from the Potters by leading Switzerland out of Group E, whilst Granit Xhaka will be hoping to impress new Gunners boss Unai Emery. Switzerland will expect to finish runners-up in the group, although Costa Rica and Serbia could prove stern opposition.

Cesar Arturo Ramos is the referee for Brazil’s opening game. The Mexican is making his World Cup debut on Sunday. In 29 international matches he has averaged 2.69 yellow cards and 0.1 reds, awarding 0.14 penalties per game along the way. Therefore, I would recommend a maximum of 30+ booking points for any bets.

Although Switzerland are ranked in the top ten of the FIFA world rankings, they don’t have a side capable of competing with the very best. Brazil are my personal tip for the tournament and I consequently expect to get their campaign underway with a win.

Brazil vs Switzerland will be televised live in the UK on ITV 1 with kick-off at 19:00 GMT.

Prediction: Brazil 2-0 Switzerland

Suggested Tips – Brazil vs Switzerland  – (BET365):

  • Brazil win 2-0 – (link no longer available).
  • Brazil to win to nil – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Brazil vs Switzerland – (SKYBET):

  • Neymar to score first and Brazil to win 2-0 – 11/1.
  • Coutinho and Jesus to both score – 4/1.
  • Brazil to win by three or more goals – 11/4.
  • Popular RequestABets – Neymar to score, Brazil to win by 2+ goals, 6+ match corners, 30+ match booking points – 4/1 (NB).
  • Player to be carded – Granit Xhaka – 11/4.
  • RequestABet – Brazil to score 2+ Goals and 5+ Brazil Corners – 2/1(NAP).
  • @FootyAccums RequestABets – Brazil v Switzerland – Coutinho & Neymar to score, 6+ Brazil corners and 20+ Switzerland booking pts – 14/1.

Tips updated at 18:25 on 17th June.

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 Germany vs Mexico – Match Preview

Germany vs Mexico
Sunday 17th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group F, Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow

Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 16:00 GMT

Germany vs Mexico is the second game today. World champions Germany begin the defence of their title on Sunday night against Mexico as they aim to get off to the perfect start in Group F.

Manager Joachim Low controversially left Leroy Sane from his World Cup squad; which is the biggest testament to the Germans strength in depth. Thomas Muller, who often relishes major tournament, is again expected to be their source of goals alongside Timo Werner. The RB Leipzig youngster has established himself as Germany’s first-choice striker, as well as one of Europe’s hottest prospects. He scored 23 goals in the Bundesliga last season making him the division’s sixth highest scorer.

Manuel Neuer is expected to start and captain Germany, despite missing the last six months through injury. Second-choice ‘keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been one of Europe’s best performers this season, which just highlights how highly Neuer is rated. Sweden and the Korean Republic make up the rest of Group F and as a result I would be shocked if Germany didn’t qualify as group winners.

Mexico topped their qualifying group, picking up 21 points from their ten matches. Javier Hernandez will carry most of the goal-scoring burden in Russia, with Mexico only scoring 16 goals in qualifying. They did, however, only concede seven goals, which points to how they will play this summer. Germany are clear favourites to win Group E and consequently there is a realistic chance of any of the other three sides taking second place. Ensuring they avoid a beating against Germany could be pivotal to Mexico’s chance of progressing into the last 16. Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa announced himself on the world stage four years ago with a string of impressive performances; he is expected to be busy against this summer and will need to be at his best if Mexico are to qualify.

Alireza Faghani is the referee for this match. The Iranian refereed at the 2014 World Cup – but was named as a fourth official for the opener between Brazil and Croatia. He’s also been on the big stage at the Olympics and numerous AFC Cup finals around the continent. In a 108 international games he has averaged 4.34 yellow cards per game and 0.23 reds. With that in mind, I would advise a total of 30+ booking points.

Although I really believe Mexico have a strong chance of finishing in second place, Germany should be far too strong for them. It will take a very good side to prevent Low’s team retaining their title and therefore they should grab a comfortable win on Sunday.

Germany vs Mexico will be televised live in the UK on BBC 1 with kick-off at 16:00 GMT.

Prediction: Germany 2-0 Mexico

Suggested Tips –  Germany vs Mexico – (BET365):

  • Germany win 2-0 – (link no longer available).
  • Germany to win to nil – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips –  Germany vs Mexico – (SKYBET):

  • Werner to score first – 7/2.
  • Muller to score a brace – 6/1.
  • Popular RequestABet – Werner to score, Germany to win, 6+ match corners, and 30+ match booking points – 4/1.
  • RequestABet up to 10/1 – Germany to score 2+ goals, 5+ Germany corners and 20+ match booking pts – 6/4 (NAP).

Tips updated at 15:10 on 17th June.

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 Costa Rica vs Serbia – Match Preview

Costa Rica vs Serbia
Sunday 17th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group E,  Samara Arena, Samara

Live on ITV 1 – Kick-Off: 13:00 GMT

Costa Rica vs Serbia – Costa Rica take on Serbia in Group E’s second match, with both teams hoping for a good start in their quest to reach the round of 16.

Costa Rica were the surprise package in Brazil four years ago, topping a group that contained Uruguay, Italy and England. The South Americans proved they were capable of competing with some of the world’s big hitters and will be hoping to do the same four years on. In recent warm-up friendlies, they have failed to impress, however. England comfortably beat them 2-0 just six days ago. The most worrying part of their performance was their inability to threaten a defensively-vulnerable England team. Joel Campbell, who was their star man in Brazil, was the only player who looked capable of threatening. They’ll be hoping the Arsenal winger, who spent the season on loan at Real Betis, can replicate that form and guide them out of the group. Former Fulham playmaker Bryan Ruiz captains the side, whilst also providing creativity in attack.

Serbia finished as top dogs in their qualifying group that contained both the Republic of Ireland and Wales. They lost just one game on their way to qualification, beating both sides in the process. Fulham loanee Alexandar Mitrovic was their star striker as he grabbed six goals in the process. He will be hoping to continue that form in the World Cup, where he is expected to start as a lone striker. Serbia also boast former Premier League defenders Alexandar Kolarov and Branislav Ivanovic within their ranks. Both defenders were crucial during their qualifying run and as a result they conceded just ten goals. Kolarov also provides an attacking threat; the former Manchester City fullback is renowned for his powerful left foot.

Both these teams have a realistic chance of qualifying from Group E. With Brazil expected to top the group, it will be an interesting battle between these two sides and Switzerland. Based on Costa Rica’s poor performances in recent friendlies, therefore I think Serbia will edge this one. Although, don’t be surprised if it ends in a draw.

Costa Rica vs Serbia will be televised in the UK on ITV1 with kick-off at 17:00 GMT.

Prediction: Costa Rica 0-1 Serbia

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

  • Correct score: Serbia 1-0 – (link no longer available).

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

  • Mitrovic and Campbell to both score – 17/2.
  • Tadic to score and win – 4/1.
  • Serbia to win by exactly one goal – 5/2.

Tips updated at 11:30 on 16th June.

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 Croatia vs Nigeria – Match Preview

Croatia vs Nigeria
Saturday 16th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group D, Kaliningrad Stadium, Kaliningrad

Live on ITV 1 – Kick-Off: 20:00 GMT

Croatia vs Nigeria – Croatia and Nigeria will be hoping for fast starts to the 2018 World Cup as they face off with each other in their Group D opener.

Croatia have taken many peoples title as ‘dark horses’ for the tournament. Their experienced squad is brimming with European talent that seem to go a little unnoticed on the international stage.

Real Madrid’s Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic link up with Barcelona’s Ivan Rakitic to form a midfield that all other nations would be proud to have. The tricky Ivan Perisic will bring the flair whilst seasoned goal scorer Mario Mandzukic will bring the finishing touch. All of this excitement going forward along with Jan Subasic in goal means there is no reason why Croatia can’t go all the way.

They will face Nigeria – who not only have won the award for best kit at the World Cup – but will also be trying to prove they’re worth the colourful material they play in.

They failed to do so in their recent warm up matches with losses to Czech Republic and England alongside a difficult 1-1 draw with Congo. Arsenal youngster Alex Iwobi will be likely to take a more central role along veteran John-Obi Mikel. Chelsea full-back Victor Moses could feature higher up the field to utilize his pace.

Ahmed Musa is another name to watch out for. The Leicester City flop has plenty of responsibility on his surprisingly young shoulders; with 72 caps at 25-years-old. Since returning to the Russian League, Musa has reignited his goal scoring form. On technically ‘home soil’ for him, he could cause the ageing Croatian side a headache and is priced at 7/2 to score anytime.

The Africans are priced at 9/2 to provide a shock against the Croatians who are priced at 8/11 to get their campaign off to winning ways. Neither nation is favourite to win the group with Argentina and Iceland occupying the other two spots.

Prediction: Croatia 2 – 0 Nigeria

Suggested Tips –  Croatia vs Nigeria – (BET365):

  • Correct score: Croatia to win 2-0 – 5/1.

– The ‘dark horses’ have too much quality in their side for the Nigerians.

Suggested Tips –  Croatia vs Nigeria – (SKYBET):

  • Luka Modric to score first – 17/2.

– He’s the classiest player on the pitch and although he isn’t known for his goal scoring, he is the only Croatian to ever score in two different European Championships and possesses the killer instinct.

  • Half Time/ Full Time Draw / Croatia – 10/3.

– Croatia are slow burners in matches. Whether they’re conceding or scoring their last three games have been goalless at half time.

Tips updated at 11:10 on 16th June.

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 Argentina vs Iceland – Match Preview

Argentina vs Iceland
Saturday 16th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group D, Spartak Stadium, Moscow

Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 14:00 GMT

Argentina vs Iceland – Lionel Messi will be hoping to inspire Argentina to victory as they kick off their World Cup campaign against Iceland.

Messi, who single-handedly dragged Argentina through qualifying, will be looking to add the final trophy to his cabinet this summer. After losing the final in 2014 to Germany, the Argentine forward will hope to follow in Diego Maradona’s steps by leading his country to victory. Qualification was far from plane sailing for Argentina. It took a Messi-inspired performance against Ecuador to seal their place in this summer’s tournament. Despite boasting a forward line as good as any in the competition, with the likes of Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala, they look far from fluid.

Without their forwards, this is a very ordinary Argentina side. It looks unbalanced, as Alejandro Sabella tries to fit in all his attacking stars. At the back and in midfield they lack the same quality as other leading nations such as France, Spain and Germany. They will also be without West Ham playmaker Manuel Lanzini after he suffered a long-term knee injury in training, which has ruled him out of the tournament.

After creating a huge impression at the European Championships two years ago, Iceland will be hoping to showcase their credentials once more. That shock victory over England has lived long in the memory and will be used as inspiration when they face Argentina. With Denmark and Peru making up the rest of Group D, it will be an interesting battle to see who can progress into the round of 16. I would make Denmark favourites, however, Iceland will relish the tag of ‘underdogs’. Everton midfielder Glyfi Sigurdsson will once again be their star man, despite missing the last two months through injury. Burnley’s Johann Gudmundsson will also be a threat after an impressive season with the Clarets.Iceland could well provide another shock here. It won’t be as cut and dry as many may expect. However, with Messi in their ranks, Argentina should have enough to kick off their World Cup campaign with a win.

Prediction: Argentina 3-1 Iceland

Prediction: Argentina 3-1 Iceland

Suggested Tips –  Argentina vs Iceland – (BET365):

  • Correct score, Argentina 3-1 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips –  Argentina vs Iceland – (SKYBET):

  • Messi to score a brace – 3/1.
  • Aguero and Di Maria to both score – 6/1.
  • Argentina to win and BTTS – 3/1.
  • Over 2.5 goals – 1/1.

Tips updated at 10:30 on 16th June.

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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