All articles by: Elliott Jackson

Uruguay vs Portugal – Match Preview

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Uruguay vs Portugal
Saturday 30th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Round of 16, Fisht Stadium, Sochi

Live on ITV 1 – Kick-Off: 19:00 

Uruguay vs Portugal – Cristiano Ronaldo will be hoping to add to his four World Cup goals as European Champions Portugal face Uruguay in the round of 16.

Ronaldo occupies second place in the race for the golden boot. The Real Madrid forward is level with Romelu Lukaku on four – both one goal behind Harry Kane. Portugal finished second in Group A, despite finishing level on points with Spain. Their 1-1 draw with Iran in their final group game was littered with controversy. First, Ronaldo missed a penalty, before Iran scored one of their own in the 93rd minute, which was harshly awarded for a handball by Cedric Soares. Iran then had a late chance to win the game and send themselves through to the knockout rounds instead of Portugal.

dThis highlighted the fact that, despite being in a position of control, Portugal nearly threw away their World Cup status in a matter of minutes. Like Argentina, they aren’t a fantastic overall side. They do have Ronaldo, though, who is a match winner on his own. They have the ability to go toe to toe with the best, as they showed against Spain, but they can also lose against anyone.

Uruguay, by contrast, are yet to concede at the World Cup. Three clean sheets and three wins in three games; an unmatched record. Luis Suarez appears to have blown off his early-tournament cobwebs after picking up his second goal in two games against Russia. Edison Cavani also broke his duck for the competition, as they produced a much more fluid performance in a new formation. The 3-5-2 system offered Uruguay much better balance in midfield, whilst also allowing Cavani and Suarez to play up front together. Arsenal target Lucas Torreira and Juventus’ Rodrigo Bentacur looked assured in midfield, whilst width was provided by both wing-backs. With Deigo Godin in defence, there is no surprise they are yet to concede. It may take one of the world’s best to find a way past the Uruguay rearguard.

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 2.71 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.

This is a tough game to call, as both sides have offered contrasting performances during this tournament. Against Spain, Portugal were fantastic. The same for Uruguay, against Russia. In the other games, both sides offered little, which as a result makes this tough to call. I think this one could be a draw, with extra time or penalties needed to separate them.

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

Prediction: Uruguay 1-1 Portugal

Suggested Tips –  Uruguay vs Portugal – (SKYBET):

  • Correct score: Draw 1-1 – 9/2.
  • To score and win – Luis Suarez – 11/4.
  • 1st Goalscorer – Cristiano Ronaldo – 3/1.
  • Portugal to Win on Penalties – 10/1.

  • Either team to win in Extra Time – 5/1.

Tips updated at 11:25 GMT on 30th June 2018. Markets will be updated again prior to the game kicking off.

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.

FIFA World Cup 2018 – Promotional Offer by BET365

 

France vs Argentina – Match Preview

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France vs Argentina
Saturday 30th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Round of 16, Kazan Stadium, Kazan

Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 15:00 

France vs Argentina – the French meet Argentina in the first knockout game of the World Cup with both sides desperate to earn a place in the last eight of the competition.

With both teams needing a point, France played out a drab goalless draw with Denmark to ensure top spot in Group C. Didier Deschamps opted to make several changes for that game, resting Kylian Mbappe, Paul Pogba and Hugo Lloris. However, given France’s embarrassment of riches with their squad, they should have produced a much better performance. France are still yet to impress in Russia despite remaining unbeaten.

Despite their undoubted individual quality, we are yet to see a cohesive, fluent performance. It is a task that many have struggled with in recent years. Belgium, previous to this tournament, have had the same problem. How do you get the best out of such a fantastic group of players? How do you fit them all in? One player who has looked his usual self is Ngolo Kante. He has become one of France’s most important players in central midfield. He will be vital to their hopes of moving into the quarter-finals.

Lionel Messi’s first goal of the World Cup coincided with Argentina’s first win. Their 2-1 victory over Nigeria was enough to smuggle them into the last 16, on goal difference. After seriously disappointing in the first two games it was a much-improved performance from them, although they still left plenty to be desired. There is no getting away from the fact this is one of Argentina’s worst sides in years. Messi aside, they are desperately poor, especially in defence and midfield. Although Ever Banega’s inclusion added some creativity in midfield, they have looked desperately lacking in the middle of the park. That has forced Messi deeper, making him less of a goal threat.

Alireza Faghani is the referee for Saturday’s game. He is a referee with international pedigree, having refereed the finals of the 2014 AFC Champions League, 2015 AFC Asian Cup, 2015 Club World Cup and the 2016 Olympics. The Iranian official averages 4.4 cards per game and therefore I’d advise a maximum booking points total of 40+.

Neither of these two sides have set the tournament alight so far. Argentina were very fortunate to even make it this far but they do have Messi. France need to improve; a better performance from them should see them win this game. With only six goals in six between the two team, I think this will be a game settled by fine margins, but I am siding with France.

France vs Argentina is televised in the UK live on BBC 1 with kick off at 15:00.

Prediction: France 2-1 Argentina

Suggested Tips – France vs Argentina – (SKYBET):

  • France to win by exactly one goal – 11/4.
  • France win 2-1 – 10/1.
  • 1st Goalscorer – Antoinee Griezmann – 11/2.
  • Anytime Goalscorer – Lionel Messi – 6/4. 

  • RequestABet Specials Up to 10/1 – Over 1.5 goals, Griezmann & Messi 1+ Shots on Target each, 3+ corners each team and 10+ booking points each team – 7/2. (NAP).

  • RequestABet Specials 80/1 and above – Draw 0-0, and no booking points – 200/1. (0.25pt Outsider).

  • Giroud to score a header and Messi to score from outside the area – 125/1.  (0.25pt Outsider).

Tips updated at 11:25 GMT on 30th June 2018. Markets will not be updated again prior to the game kicking off.

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.

FIFA World Cup 2018 – Promotional Offer by BET365

 

England vs Belgium – Match Preview

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England vs Belgium
Thursday 28th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group G, Kaliningrad Stadium, Kaliningrad

Live on ITV 1 – Kick-Off: 19:00 

England vs Belgium – With both sides already safely through to the last 16, England and Belgium will battle it out for top spot in Group G.

England ran riot against Panama on Sunday, with a stunning 6-1 win. The Three Lions were 5-0 up at the break before Harry Kane completed his first World-Cup hattrick in the second half. Those goals took the Spurs striker to five for the tournament, making him the competition’s leading scorer. Jesse Lingard scored the pick of the goals with a fantastic curling effort from outside the area, whilst John Stones scored a brace of headers. With eyes on England’s potential RO16 opponents from Group H, many have suggested finishing in second place could be more beneficial. Group H’s final games kick off at 3pm the same day, meaning England will know their potential paths in the knockout rounds depending on where they finish.

They currently top the group on fair play, having received one less yellow card than Belgium. Both sides have identical points, goals scored and goals conceded. If it turns out England would prefer to finish second, we could see a flurry of yellow cards, if the scoreline is a draw. Gareth Southgate may also be tempted into resting some key players, with little riding on this game.

Belgium also secured their place in the knockout rounds in emphatic style. Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard both grabbed two as they won 5-2 against Tunisia. However, the pair were withdrawn after 65 minutes after picking up minor knocks that could see them rested against England. Roberto Martinez is expected to make mass changes, to keep his squad fresh for the latter stages of the competition.

Damir Skomina is the referee for this game. The Slovenian took charge of the Three Lions embarrassing defeat to Iceland, just two years ago. He has averaged 4.12 yellow cards over 145 international games. Therefore, I would advise a maximum booking points total of 40+.

Knowing Southgate, he will want England to go and win the game, irrespective of their potential RO16 opponent. Winning breeds confidence which therefore helps to build momentum. Although, with that being said, neither side will risk any injuries, which could see a slower-paced game. I personally think both sides will settle for a draw.

Prediction: England 1-1 Belgium

Suggested Tips –  England vs Belgium – (BET365):

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

Suggested Tips – England vs Belgium – (SKYBET):

  • Both Players to Score – Batshuayi and Kane – 6/1.
    – Both nations talismans, they will both get chances to score in the match.
  • 1st Goalscorer – Marcus Rashford – 6/1. 
    – The flair, pace and deadly finish that this guy possesses makes him the best player on the pitch. He will be determined to sink the Serbians early on.
  • RequestABet Specials Up to 10/1 – England to win & BTTS – 9/2. 
  • RequestABet Specials 80/1 and above – Draw 1-1, 3+ corners each team and no booking points – 125/1. (0.25pt Outsider).
  • RequestABet Specials 80/1 and above – Draw 0-0, and no booking points – 125/1. (0.25pt Outsider).
  • RequestABet Specials 80/1 and above – Draw 0-0, under 12 corners and 30+ booking points each team – 100/1. (0.25pt Outsider).

Tips updated at 17:40 GMT on 28th June 2018. Markets unlikely be updated again prior to the game kicking off.

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.

FIFA World Cup 2018 – Promotional Offer by BET365