All articles by: Elliott Jackson

Brazil vs Belgium – Match Preview

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Brazil vs Belgium
Friday 6th July 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Quarter-finals, Kazan Arena, Kazan

Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 19:00

Brazil vs Belgium – a tasty-looking quarter-final, with both sides determined to make it to the last four of the World Cup.

Brazil have been installed as the bookies’ favourite for the tournament from day one, and that remains the same. They coasted past Mexico in the last round, with second-half goals from Neymar and Roberto Firmino making the difference. Whilst Mexico did have spells of pressure during the match, there was only going to be one winner. One thing that has gone under the radar is Brazil’s incredible defensive record. They have conceded just five goals in 22 matches, and just once at this World Cup. Miranda and Thiago Silva have been rock-solid at the heart of their backline, with Fagner and Marcelo/Filipe Luis at full-back.

In attack, Neymar seems to be gearing up to his best. The PSG playmaker has scored two goals in his last three games, also registering one assist. However, in my opinion, Phillipe Coutinho is actually Brazil’s most important player. The former Liverpool star has been their chief source of creativity from a central midfield position. His vision and range of passing is exemplary, whilst he always carries a goal threat, especially from long range.

Belgium needed a last-minute winner to turn around a two-goal deficit against Japan. Roberto Martinez’s team found themselves 2-0 down in the second half but managed to restore parity through Jan Vertonghen and substitute Marouane Fellaini. Then, from Japan’s own corner, Nacer Chadli complete the comeback following a swift counter-attack. There’s no doubt that Belgium’s subs made the difference, but it was actually a change in Kevin De Bruyne’s position that made the difference. With Dries Mertens going off, KDB was allowed to play further forward, which prompted Belgium’s upturn in performance. Martinez has been using him too deep and to get the best out of the City star, he needs to play in a more advanced role.

Milorad Masic is the referee for this match. The Serbian has averaged 4.26 yellow cards per game, along with 0.24 reds in 117 international matches. There are number of players (including Neymar), who are one caution away from missing the semi-finals. With that in mind, I’d suggest a maximum of 40+ total match booking points for this game.

I think Martinez will opt for an extra midfielder against Brazil’s trio, which will push De Bruyne closer to Romelu Lukaku. If they can get him on the ball, there’s no doubt the pair, accompanied by Eden Hazard can cause problems. At the other end, Brazil will feel confident they can score goals, after watching Japan strike twice. Overall, I think Brazil will win, by a tight margin. It will be interesting to see how Brazil’s impressive defence does hold up against Belgium’s attack, but I think they will progress into the last four.

Prediction: Brazil 2-1 Belgium

Suggested Tips – Brazil vs Belgium – (BET365):

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

Suggested Tips – Uruguay vs France – (SKYBET):

  • A penalty to be scored in 90 mins – 10/3. 
  • Brazil to win by exactly 1 goal. – 11/4.
  • Penalty Specials – Either team to win on pens – 11/2.
  • Coutinho 1+ shots on target, Neymar 1+ shots on target & Eden Hazard 1+ shots on target – 15/8. (NB).
  • Both Player to Score – Lukaku and Neymar to both score – 7/1.
  • RequestABet Specials – Up to 10/1 – Neymar 1+ shots on target, 3+ corners in each half, 10+ booking points each team (all 90mins) and Brazil to qualify – 7/4. (NAP).
  • Coutinho & De Bruyne to score from outside the area – 150/1. (0.25 pt outsider). 
  • @FootyAccums RequestABet Specials – Neymar & Lukaku to score, Fernandinho & Kompany to be carded (all 90 mins) and Brazil to qualify – 100/1. (Added 17:22 GMT).

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 17:22 GMT on 6th July 2018.

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Croatia vs Denmark – Match Preview

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Croatia vs Denmark
Sunday 1st July 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Round of 16, Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Nizhny Novgorod

Live on ITV 1 – Kick-Off: 19:00 

Croatia vs Denmark – Two of the world’s finest midfielders go head to head as Luka Modric and Cristian Eriksen both hope to lead their sides into the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

Croatia topped Group D with three wins out of three. Their last-gasp 2-1 win against Iceland extended their winning run as Ivan Perisic grabbed his first goal of the tournament. After blowing past Argentina, Croatia have gone down as mosts ‘dark horses’ for the competition. By winning the group they have avoided meeting Brazil, Portugal and France. Spain could stand in their way in the quarter-finals, but as they say ‘you have to beat the best to be the best’.

Modric has already proven he is one of the best in this tournament. He has carried his form for Real Madrid into the Blue of Croatia and has led by example. In a more advanced role, Modric has shown his magic with fantastic vision, passes and even a couple of goals. For me, he is the best midfielder in the world at the moment and is so crucial to this Croatia side.

Denmark played out a dull 0-0 draw with France to confirm their spot in the last 16. The Dane’s remain unbeaten after picking up two draws and a win in Group C. Their success has been built on a solid foundation at the back; they’ve conceded just one goal in the tournament and 0 from open play. Andreas Christiansen played in a less familiar holding midfield role against France but I would expect him to return to the heart of the defence going forward. In attack Eriksen has been at his usual best; keeping Denmark ticking over. With one goal to his name, the Spurs’ midfielder has continued his best ever scoring season at international level. Like Modric, Eriksen is Denmark’s conductor and all their best play flows through him. It will be a really interesting matchup to see how both sides try to stop the other’s maestro.

Nestor Pitana is the referee for this game. The Argentina official has averaged 4.67 yellow cards and 0.25 red card per game across 84 international matches. Therefore, I would advise a maximum total of 40+ booking points for this game. Penalties may also be a good shout, with Pitana averaging a penalty every 0.2 games; with VAR involved that percentage is only likely to increase.

Croatia have a lot of big game players with plenty of experience. Denmark, by contrast, are a relatively inexperienced group and that could tell. I don’t think there will be a lot in the game and therefore Croatia’s extra knowhow could see them pinch a spot in the last eight.

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

Prediction: Croatia 1-0 Denmark.

Suggested Tips – Croatia vs Denmark – (SKYBET):

  • Croatia to win 1-0 – 10/3.
  • Croatia to win by exactly 1 goal – 11/2.
  • Price Boost – Luka Modric to score from outside the penalty area – 13/2. 
  • RequestABet – Modric & Eriksen to score, Croatia to win and Lovren to be carded – 125/1.

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.Tips updated at 10:35 GMT on 1st July 2018.

FIFA World Cup 2018 – Promotional Offer by BET365

 

Spain vs Russia – Match Preview

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Spain vs Russia
Sunday 1st July 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Round of 16, Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow

Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 15:00 

Spain vs Russia – Spain take on hosts Russia in the first knockout round with both sides desperate to move into the last eight of the World Cup.

Spain topped Group B after a 90th-minute equaliser from Iago Aspas preserved their unbeaten start to the World Cup. They looked on course for a shock defeat against bottom side Morocco before the Celta Vigo forward back-heeled them level. Spain have struggled defensively in this tournament, conceding five goals in the Group Stages. Despite having one of the most coveted backlines and ‘keepers in the tournament, Spain have shown they can be got at.

They struggled to handle the pace and power of Cristiano Ronaldo in their opening match against Portugal, which could cause concern as they enter the latter stages of the tournament. In attack, Isco continued his fine start in Russia by adding his first goal whilst Diego Costa continued to torment after three goals in his first two games.

Russia came crashing back down to earth with a thump following their 3-0 defeat to Uruguay. That result left them second in Group A, despite winning their first two games. Russia manager Stanislav Chercesov made a number of changes, resting key players, and his side’s task was made even tougher as they went down to ten men in the first half. As a result, second choice right-back Igor Smolnikov will miss this match through suspension. This is the first game we have seen Russia struggle in, in what could be argued as their first real test. Although they did make changes, I think this was a sign that they will struggle against the bigger nations. They do possess plenty of pace and hard-working midfielders though and will play on the counter-attack to try and expose Spain.

Bjorn Kuipers is the referee for this game. The Ducthman plies his trade is the Eridevisie where he has averaged 4.33 cards per game across 15 league games. Therefore, I would advise a maximum total of 40+ booking points for this game.

Spain have proven they are capable of being beaten. They got out of jail against Morocco, but still topped their group. Russia struggled against Uruguay in their first major challenge. I’m not sure they will have the mentality needed to topple Spain. Their players may freeze on the big stage, with the weight of the country on their shoulders. As a result, I’m plumping for a Spain win.

Spain vs Russia will be televised live in the UK on BBC 1 with kick off at 15:00 GMT.

Prediction: Spain 2-0 Russia

Suggested Tips – Spain vs Russia – (SKYBET):

  • Spain to win by exactly two goals – 10/3.
  • Spain win 2-0 – 11/2.
  • Anytime Goalscorer – Diego Costa – 5/4. 
  • First Goalscorer – Isco – 7/1. 
  • Spain to win, over 1.5 goals and Costa 1+ shots on target & Cheryshev 1+ shots on target – 10/3. 
  • Spain to win to nil, 3+ Spain corners and 20+ Russia Booking Pts – 5/2. (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.Tips updated at 10:35 GMT on 1st July 2018. Markets will not be updated again prior to the game kicking off.

FIFA World Cup 2018 – Promotional Offer by BET365