All articles by: Elliott Jackson

Croatia vs England – Match Preview

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Croatia vs England
Wednesday 11th July 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Semi-finals, Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow

Live on ITV 1 – Kick-Off: 19:00

England face Croatia in their first World Cup semi-final since 1990 looking to re-write the wrongs of 28 years ago.

England’s performance against Sweden was something different. It was a calm, controlled, professional win; something I have never witnessed from the Three Lions in a major tournament. There was an air of confidence about England. Despite starting slowly, they stayed calm and got the first goal through Harry Maguire. From then, it was complete domination. Dele Alli’s first goal of the World Cup sealed the win as England professionally managed their way into the last four. The cries of ‘football’s coming home’ are growing louder.

Another pleasing thing for Gareth Southgate is that this match was also the first in which Harry Kane hadn’t scored in. The fear that if Kane didn’t find the net, neither would England, has been eased with goals provided from elsewhere in the side. Raheem Sterling put in a much-improved display against Sweden and was a constant menace running in-behind their defence. Sterling still faced some criticism, however, for his lack of cutting edge in front of goal. He needs a goal to get the monkey off his back.

Croatia moved into the last four after a second consecutive penalty shoot-out win. This time it was Russia who fell short, as Subasic once again proved to be the hero. Russia’s two goals will have given England cause for optimism. The second, in particular, from a set piece showed that whilst Croatia have fantastically gifted footballers, they can be exploited. Stopping Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic pulling the strings in midfield will be Southgate’s biggest worry. Modric, in particular, has shone during this tournament. Mario Mandzukic always provides a goal threat and can be deadly in the air, so concentration will be key for the Three Lions’ backline.

Cuneyt Cakir is the referee for this game. The Turkish official has averaged 3.99 yellow and 0.21 red cards per match in 137 international matches. He’s also awarded 0.27 penalties per match during those games. Therefore, I would advise a maximum booking points total of 40+ for this game.

This will be England’s toughest game to date. Both teams will come into this match feeling it is their best ever chance to reach a World Cup final. I think it will be a draw in 90 minutes, but I could see England snatching the win in extra time. If not, it could go all the way to penalties. When has there ever gone wrong before?

Prediction: Croatia 1-1 England

Suggested Tips – Croatia vs England – (BET365):

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

Suggested Tips – Croatia vs England – (SKYBET):

  • Popular RequestABet – Harry Maguire or John Stones to score a header – 13/2. 
  • Anytime Goalscorer – Harry Kane – 11/8.
  • England to win in Extra Time – 9/2.  
  • RequestABet Specials Up to 10/1 – Croatia v England – Rakitic to score, Croatia to win, BTTS, 4+ corners each team and 20+ booking points each team – 66/1.  (Possible cover bet – 0.25pt). 
  • FootyAccums RequestABets – Alli to score, 3+ corners each team, Rakitic & Young to be carded (90 mins) and England to qualify – 150/1. (Outsider/Longshot – 0.25pt). 
  • Scorecast Boost (Double Chance) – Luca Modric to score first and Croatia win either 2-1 or 3-1 – 60/1. (NB 2). (Possible cover bet – 0.25pt). 
  • RequestABet Specials 80/1 and above – Modric & Kane to score, Draw 1-1 ,and Lovren & Young to be carded – 450/1.
  • Price Boost – Jesse Lingard to score outside the area in 90 mins – 14/1.
  • RequestABet Specials Up to 10/1 – Croatia v England – Over 1.5 goals, Kramaric 1+ shots on target & Kane 2+ shots on target, 8+ match corners & 10+ booking points each team – 6/1.  (NB). 
  • RequestABet Specials Up to 10/1 – Croatia v England – Over 1.5 goals, 3+ Croatia Corners, 4+ England Corners and 30+ Match Booking Points – 15/8.  (NAP). 
  • RequestABet Specials 80/1 and above – Croatia v England – Over 0.5 goals, 3+ corners each team and Lovren, Vrsaljko & Henderson to be carded – 100/1. (Added – 16:06 GMT). 

Keep visiting Tips and Previews ahead of games to get our suggested tips and correct score picks for the remainders tomorrow’s second semi-final. Tips updated at 16:08 GMT on 11th July 2018.

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France vs Belgium – Match Preview

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France vs Belgium
Tuesday 10th July 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Semi-finals,  Saint Petersburg Stadium, St. Petersburg

Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 19:00

France vs Belgium –  the first semi-final takes place tonight with both sets of players desperate to help their side into the final of the World Cup.

France are in their first World Cup semi-final since 2006. They progressed that night, before famously losing the final to Italy after Zinedine Zidane’s headbutt. This, however, is a much different side to that of ’06. They still have their superstars; Antoine Griezmann took his tally for the tournament to three goals after his long-range strike fumbled through Fernando Muslera’s hands. That goal gave France a two-goal cushion – a lead they never looked like losing. The game management after the Atletico Madrid forward’s 61st-minute strike was that of a team of winners. France have the third-lowest average age in their 23 man squad, at 26, but this performance was one that matched a much more wiley bunch.

Whilst Griezmann, Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe will take all the headlines, France’s rearguard deserves some of the limelight too. After leaking three goals against Argentina, it was a much more solid display from two of the world’s most promising centre-backs. Rafael Varane and Samuel Umtiti have struck up a solid partnership, despite their Real Madrid – Barcelona differences at club level. Some may even suggest they are better than Spain’s combination of Sergio Ramos and Gerrard Pique

Belgium claimed their biggest scalp of the tournament with a 2-1 win over Brazil. Roberto Martinez changed the Red Devils’ shape, opting for a 4-3-3 system and deploying Kevin De Bruyne as a false nine. It worked a treat; Brazil’s offensive style often left KDB, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku three on three. Lukaku, in particular, has been sensational during this tournament. He is yet to score since the group stages, however, he has still influenced both Belgium’s games, which was often a criticism in the past. We also saw the best of KDB in this game. It will be interesting to see how Martinez sets up against France, who are a much different team to Brazil.

Andreas Cunha is the referee for this match. The Uruguayan has averaged 4.12 yellow and 0.27 red cards per match in 49 international matches. He’s also awarded 0.22 penalties per match during those games. Therefore, I would advise a maximum booking points total of 40+ for this game.

I fancied Brazil to win the World Cup, but Belgium blew them away with their tactics on Friday night. France will be wary of underestimating them as a result, but will still be confident of getting a result. There is so little to separate these two star-studded teams and I think this one will go all the way.

Prediction: France 1-1 Belgium

Suggested Tips – France vs Belgium – (BET365):

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

Suggested Tips – France vs Belgium – (SKYBET):

  • Both Players to Score – Romelu Lukaku and Antoinne Grizzman both to score – 7/1. 
  • A Penalty to be scored in 90 minutes – 21/10.
  • Either team to win on penalties – 9/2.  
  • RequestABet Specials Up to 10/1 – France v Belgium – BTTS, over 1.5 goals, 7+ match corners and 30+ match booking pts – 13/8.  (NAP).
  • FootyAccums RequestABets – France v Belgium – BTTS, 5+ Belgium corners and 20+ booking points each team – 6/1.  (NB).

Keep visiting Tips and Previews ahead of games to get our suggested tips and correct score picks for the remainders tomorrow’s second semi-final. Tips updated at 17:10 GMT on 10th July 2018.

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Sweden vs England – Match Preview

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Sweden vs England
Saturday 7th July 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Quarter-finals,  Samara Arena, Samara

Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 15:00

Sweden vs England. England can move one step closer to bringing football home with a win against Sweden when they meet in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

Jordan Pickford’s heroics on Tuesday night secured the Three Lions’ spot in the last eight. Their spot-kick triumph was their first in 22 years, having won just one of their last seven penalty shoot-outs. It was redemption too for Gareth Southgate, who famously missed his penalty at Euro 1996 which saw England lose to Germany. Once again, Harry Kane provided the goal for England, moving onto six for the tournament. With Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Diego Costa all on the plane home, the golden boot award looks in reach. However, it’s a much bigger trophy Kane, and the rest of the country, have their eyes on. With only Sweden and Croatia/Russia standing in the way of the World Cup final, the whole country is daring to dream.

Jamie Vardy and Ashley Young are doubts for this game, with Danny Rose set to deputise at left-wing-back. Jordan Henderson and Kyle Walker are both a booking away from missing a potential semi-final clash and will, therefore, have to tread lightly. Henderson, in particular, has been one of England’s best players in Russia. The Liverpool captain has proven his importance to the side as the anchor in midfield. With Dele Alli and Jesse Lingard ahead of him, Henderson’s disciplined displays have earnt him plaudits from those who were criticising him not that long ago.

Despite being without their talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Sweden have exceeded all expectations. Like England, they will feel that this could be their best chance to reach a World Cup final, following their 1-0 victory over Switzerland. Emile Forsberg’s deflected strike secured that win as they registered another clean sheet, their third of the tournament. Sweden lack a spark in attack, but they have only conceded two goals all tournament. A solid defence always gives you a huge chance of winning matches.

Bjorn Kuipers is the referee for this game. The Dutchman plies his trade in the Eredivisie where he has averaged 4.33 cards per game across 15 league games. With players running the risk of suspension, I don’t see there being a lot of cards in this one. Therefore, I would advise a maximum total of 40+ booking points for this game.

England were the best team against Colombia, yet needed a shoot-out to seal the win. They also have a terrible record against Sweden, who will be stubborn and hard to beat. That being said, this is a new England, and I don’t see any complacency creeping into Southgate’s team. If they can get an early goal, I think it should be a comfortable win. If not, then it could be a much trickier game for the Three Lions.

Prediction: Sweden 0-2 England

Suggested Tips – Sweden vs England – (BET365):

  • England win 2-0 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Sweden vs England – (SKYBET):

  • Harry Kane to score first – 5/2. 
  • John Stones to score a header – 18/1.
  • RequestABet Specials – up to 10/1  – over 1.5 goals (90mins), 5+ match corners (90mins), 20+ match booking pts (90mins) and England to qualify – 5/4. (NAP).
  • RequestABet Specials – up to 10/1  – Over 1.5 goals, Marcus Berg & Lingard 1+ Shots on Target each, 4+ England corners and 10+ booking points each team – 11/2. (NB).
  • RequestABet Specials – up to 10/1  – England to win, Lingard 1+ Shots on Target & Kane 1+ Shots on Target, 6+ England corners and 20+ Sweden booking pts – 8/1.
  • Winning Margin – England to win by exactly 1 goal – 9/4.
  • @FootyAccums RequestABet Specials – Kane to score, 6+ England corners, Larsson & Lindelof to be carded and England to qualify – 33/1.
  • RequestABet Specials – 80/1 and above – Kane & Stones to score a header – 100/1. (Outsider).
  • RequestABet Specials 33/1 to 66/1 – Sweden v England – Forsberg to score, Sweden to win, BTTS and Under 11 match corners – 33/1. (Cover).

Keep visiting Tips and Previews ahead of games to get our suggested tips and correct score picks for the remainders ties in the quarter finals. Tips updated at 10:30 GMT on 7th July 2018.

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