England vs Nigeria
Saturday 2nd June 2018
International Friendly, Wembley Stadium
Live on ITV 1, Kick-Off: 20:00 GMT
England vs Nigeria: England host Nigeria in the first of a friendly doubleheader as Gareth Southgate looks finalises his starting side for the World Cup.
England’s two upcoming friendlies offer Southgate a final opportunity to tinker with his side. This is the first game the Three Lions have played since their World Cup squad was announced. They’re expected to line up with a back three, a system they have often plays under his reign. He has, however, rotated between the 3-4-3 and 3-5-2 system. I believe Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s ACL injury will push Southgate towards the 3-4-3 formation, with Eric Dier and Jordan Henderson likely to be England’s starting central midfield pairing.
The main decisions for Southgate lie in defence and attack. It appears to be a straight shoot-out between Dele Alli and Jese Lingard to join Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling in a dynamic trio. In goal, we are still no nearer to discovering whether Jack Butland or Jordan Pickford will don the number one shirt. Kyle Walker’s role in the side is also a much-discussed topic. Despite being a natural RB/RWB, Southgate played the City defender at RCB, a role he performed well in. That could allow Kieran Trippier or the ever-improved Trent Alexander- Arnold the chance to operate down the right-hand side.
You can bet on England’s starting X! for their first World Cup group game and I fancy this team at 6/1 (Pickford, Trippier, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Rose, Henderson, Dier, Sterling, Alli, Kane).
Nigeria will be a good test for England. They have strung together some impressive results, most notably their 4-2 win against Argentina last November. Alex Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho and Victor Moses are all well-known Premier League names and all three should start at the World Cup. They will face Argentina, Croatia and Iceland in a tough-looking Group; if they can make it past the group stages that would be an impressive tournament.
Marco Guida is the referee for Saturday’s match. The Italian has the highest average card total in Serie A, with 5.38 per match. He has officiated 16 league games this season, brandishing 79 yellow cards and three red cards.
Whilst both manager will use this game to fine tune their sides, they will both want to win. England should have too much for Nigeria and I expect them to win with a little to spare.
England vs Nigeria will be televised live in the UK from Wembley Stadium on ITV 1 with kick-off at 17:15.
Prediction: England 2-0 Nigeria
Suggested Tips – England vs Nigeria (BET365):
- Correct score, England 2-0 –(link no longer available).
- Harry Kane to score first – (link no longer available).
Suggested Tips – England vs Nigeria (SKYBET):
- Sterling to score and win – 2/1.
- England to win by exactly two goals – 3/1.
- England to win to nil – 11/10.
Odds and markets last updated on 27 March 2018 @16:50 GMT.
Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews for more previews from the International break this week. We also have domestic fixtures returning at the end of the week so keep an eye on those previews in the tips and preview area.
