All articles by: Elliott Jackson

Panama vs Tunisia – Match Preview

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Panama vs Tunisia
Thursday 28th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group G, Mordovia Arena, Saransk

Live on ITV 4 – Kick-Off: 19:00 

Panama vs Tunisia – Panama take on Tunisia with both sides looking to restore some pride after being knocked out of the World Cup.

As expected when the groups were drawn out last year, neither Panama or Tunisia stand a chance of making it into the round of 16. Both sides have lost each game, conceding 17 goals between them in the process. Panama can’t compete at this level, which was highlighted in their performance against England. Despite keeping Belgium to 0-0 until the second-half, they were 5-0 down at the interval against the Three Lions. They seemed more intent on kicking and disrupting England’s play, than trying to play football themselves. Panama did, however, give their fans something to cheer about with their first ever World Cup goal, although it did arrive with the scoreline at 6-0. They’ll be hoping to notch their first ever win at this tournament and avoid finishing bottom of Group G.

Despite being Africa’s highest-ranked side, Tunisia have failed to perform at this World Cup. They were unlucky to concede in the 90th minute against England, although they deserved to lose the game, but they capitulated against Belgium. That 5-2 loss included some lackadaisical, haphazard defending, which has been their major downfall in both games. They’re clearly a capable side; Senegal have performed admirably at this tournament, and they are higher ranked than them. They simply haven’t translated their qualifying form into the tournament – their players froze on the big stage. At the back, they have been awful and showed no signs of tactical awareness or defensive organisation. They have, however, shown intent in front of goal, scoring three goals in two games.

Nawaf Shukralla is the referee for this game. He has an average of 3.98 yellow cards per and 0.23 reds across 102 international matches. Therefore, I would suggest a maximum of 30+ total booking points for this match.

Neither of these sides have offered much in their two matches, but I do think Tunisia are the better side. They also carry a much bigger goal-threat, although this game could be an entertaining watch for the defending, or lack of, on show.

Prediction: Panama 1-3 Tunisia

Suggested Tips –  Panama vs Tunisia – (BET365):

  • Tunisia win – 3-1 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Panama vs Tunisia – (SKYBET):

  • Scorecast Boost – Double Chance – Roman Torres to score first and either Panama to win 2-1 or Draw 2-2 – 150/1.
    – Both nations talismans, they will both get chances to score in the match.
  • Price Boost – Wahbi Khazri – 1st Goalscorer – 5/1. 
    – 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.
  • BTTS – Yes and Tunisia Win – 5/2. (NAP).

Tips updated at 17:40 GMT on 27th 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

 

 

Australia vs Peru – Match Preview

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Australia vs Peru
Tuesday 26th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group C, Fisht Stadium, Sochi

Live on ITV 4 – Kick-Off: 15:00

Australia vs Peru. Australia head into their final group game against Peru knowing they must win to have any hope of qualifying for the round of 16.

After collecting just one point from their first two fixtures, Australia need three points to save their flailing hopes of qualifying. Last time out they battled back to draw 1-1 with Denmark, a point that kept alive their World Cup hopes. They now must beat Peru, and hope that France beat Denmark, which would leave both sides tied on four points – leaving second spot coming down to goal difference. Australia have battled impressively in both games, making up for what they lack in prowess with physical endeavour.

However, they can pose a threat to sides and have a number of important players. Aaron Mooy and Mile Jedinak are both vital in midfield; the Aston Villa man has scored both of their goals from 12 yards. In attack, Mathew Leckie has caught the eye, in addition to teenage-sensation Daniel Arzani. The 19-year-old winger has been dubbed as the best talent to come out of Australia since Harry Kewell and scored three goals in his breakthrough season with Melbourne City.

Peru have brought life and soul to the competition. Their 15,000 fans, celebrating their first World Cup since 1982, have brought a carnival atmosphere to Russia. Sadly, their team haven’t delivered on the field which has consequently left them bottom of Group C after two defeats. They are now out of the World Cup, but will be hoping to give their fans one last hurrah in this match. They were narrowly beaten 1-0 by France last time out, which condemned them to their fate. Like a few smaller nations, their build-up play is easy on the eye, but they lack a killer instinct infront of goal. Still, with one game left, they will want to try and register a point on the board, or at least find the back of the net.

Sergey Karasev is the referee for this game. The Russian official has averaged 3.43 yellow and 0.22 red cars in 79 international matches. With that in mind, I would recommend a maximum of 30+ match booking points.

This game won’t be a thriller, with both sides yet to score from open play. Australia lack quality for all their industry, whilst Peru lack a goalscorer. This could be the first blank of the tournament.

Australia vs Peru will be televised live in the UK on ITV 4 with kick-off at 15:00 GMT.

Prediction: Australia 0-0 Peru

Suggested Tips –  Australia vs Peru – (BET365):

  • Draw – 0-0 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Australia vs Peru – (SKYBET):

  • Farfan to score and win – 7/2.
  • Australia to win by exactly one goal – 7/2. 

Tips updated at 13:30 GMT on 25th June 2018. Markets will be updated again prior to kick-off so keeping checking this page back.

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

 

Denmark vs France – Match Preview

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Denmark vs France
Tuesday 26th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group C, Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow

Live on ITV 1 – Kick-Off: 15:00

Denmark vs France. The French need just a point against Denmark to seal top spot in Group C, whilst a draw would also confirm the Dane’s place in the last of the World Cup.

Despite two wins from two games, France are yet to turn up at the World Cup. Two narrow wins – 1-0 last time out against Peru – has ensured their spot in the knockout rounds, but their performances have been far from spectacular. Against Peru, Didier Deschamps opted for Olivier Giroud and Blaise Matuidi. The presence of Giroud, in particular, was noticeable as he offered a platform for Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe to weave their magic. It was the PSG striker who got the solitary goal, opening his account for the tournament.

Like Belgium, France have one of the most talented groups of individuals; probably the most, considering their strength in depth. However, they’re still yet to dominate a match or take it by the scruff of the neck. With the obvious talent on show, you have to feel it is only a matter of time before they blow a team away. France have a lot of young players, in between the age of 19-25. Those players still need to mature and acclimatise to tournament football, before we see the very best of them.

Denmark moved onto four points following their 1-1 draw with Australia. They once again conceded a goal, courtesy of VAR. Cristian Eriksen was again a key performer in their impressive first-45 minute showing. The Tottenham man opened the scoring with an expertly timed half-volley. They will be without their explosive attacker Yussuf Poulsen for this game, however, after the RB Leipzig forward picked up his second yellow card of the tournament against Australia. Whilst Denmark may not have the star names of other major nations, they do have a strong spine to their side. Kasper Schmeichel conceded his first goal in 571 minutes of international football against Australia, illustrating their defensive prowess. They need just a point in this game to seal second spot in Group C and will take top-spot with a win.

Sandro Ricci is the referee for this match. The Brazilian has averaged 4.77 yellow and 0.42 red cars in 77 international matches. With that in mind, I would recommend a maximum of 40+ match booking points.

France’s performances will improve and that might happen in this game. With qualification already secured, the shackles will be off or at least slightly loosened. Denmark, have all the tools to frustrate them and need just a point. As a result, I could see this one ending as a draw.

Denmark vs France will be televised live in the UK on ITV 1 with kick-off at 15:00 GMT.

Prediction: Denmark 1-1 France

Suggested Tips –  Denmark vs France – (BET365):

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

Suggested Tips – Denmark vs France – (SKYBET):

  • Mbappe to score first – 5/1.
  • Both Players to Score – Griezmann and Eriksen both to score – 11/1.
  • France to win by exactly one goal – 5/2. 

Tips updated at 13:20 GMT on 25th June 2018. Markets will likely be updated again prior to the game kicking off so keep checking back.

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