All articles by: Elliott Jackson

Spain vs Morocco – Match Preview

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Spain vs Morocco
Monday 25th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group B, Kaliningrad Stadium, Kaliningrad

Live on BBC 1– Kick-Off: 19:00

Spain vs Morocco. Spain need just a point to progress through to the last 16 of the World Cup, when they face already-eliminated Morocco.

Spain’s fortunate 1-0 win over Iran moved them joint-top of Group B with Portugal. Despite winning and dominating the match, Iran had chances to snatch an equaliser, which would have left Spain in trouble. They performed well and kept the ball magnificently, especially in the first-half, however, you can’t help but feel teams will be able to score goals against them. Isco again put in a man-of-the-match display after impressing again Portugal. Costa, meanwhile, grabbed his third goal of the tournament, albeit in fortunate fashion. Spain seem to have found a way to get the best out of him; he at 5/1(Skybet) for the golden boot, which represents good value.

If the Spain and Portugal both win by the same scoreline in their final group game and have an equal Fair Play Conduct, the winner of the group will be dictated by drawing names out of a hat – for the first time in World Cup history. However, Spain’s job is far from done as they could still exit the competition with a defeat.

Morocco may go down as one the best sides in World Cup history to finish with 0 points. They created a bundle of chances against Portugal and deserved at least a point. However, as was the case against Iran, they failed to take those chances and lost the game. They have some talented players, particularly in midfield, but lack a true number nine. That has been their downfall this summer and why they’re yet to score. Against Spain, they will hope to restore some pride and maybe get on the scoresheet. This will undoubtedly the toughest test they have faced yet, but Spain offers a good opportunity for them to claim a major scalp.

Ravshan Irmatov is the referee for this game. He has averaged 3.45 yellow and 0.23 red cards in 165 international matches. Therefore, I would advise a maximum of 40+ match booking points.

Spain have to win this game to ensure they top the group. Anything less and they could end up in second, behind Portugal. When Spain have to win, they usually do. I fancy them to get a result again Morocco, who for all their nice build-up play, lack any real bite in front of goal.

Spain vs Morocco will be televised live in the UK on BBC 1 with kick-off at 19:00 GMT.

Prediction: Spain 2-0 Morocco

Suggested Tips –  Spain vs Morocco – (BET365):

  • Spain to Win – 2-0 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Spain vs Morocco – (SKYBET):

  • Costa to Score First – 11/4.
  • Ramos to score a header – 9/1. 
  • RequestABet Up To 10/1 – Diego Costa to score, Spain to win to nil and 8+ match corners – 7/2. (NAP).

Tips updated at 12:30 GMT on 25th June 2018.

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

 

Iran vs Portugal – Match Preview

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Iran vs Portugal
Monday 25th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group B, Mordovia Arena, Saransk

Live on BBC 4 – Kick-Off: 19:00

Iran vs Portgual is the last of two games in Group B. Portugal and Iran face off in Group B with both sides needing points to qualify for the round of 16.

Portugal need just a point to seal their place in the round of 16 after their 1-0 win against Morocco. Cristiano Ronaldo’s fourth goal of the tournament – in the fourth minute- was enough to seal the win. Despite winning the game, Portugal rode their luck for most of the game. Morocco were the better side but just couldn’t wield away through the Portugal rearguard. It was a very professional performance from Fernando Santos’ side although they will have to show a lot more quality in the knockout rounds. In midfield they struggled to keep possession, limiting the service for Ronaldo. Whilst he has already got four goals, they will need to provide more help for their main man if they’re to hope of replicating their success of 2016.

Iran put in one of the performances of the tournament, despite losing 1-0 to Spain last time out. Iran put in a resolute defensive display and were only beaten by Diego Costa’s fortunate strike, that cannoned in off his left knee. Still, a goal down Iran battled on and had a few chances to equalise, as well as a goal correctly ruled out for offside. Despite Spain controlled the game and dominated possession, few would have begrudged Iran a point for their plucky and resolute defending.

That defeat has left them third in the group, a point behind both Spain and Portugal. However, their future is in their own hands, if they beat Portugal they will be through and could even top the group, depending on Spain’s result against Morocco. It is a game that both teams have plenty to play for; they could both end the night top of Group B or out of the competition altogether.

Enrique Caceres is the referee for this game. The Paraguayan official has averaged 4.3 yellow and 0.23 red cards in 91 international matches. With that in mind, I would recommend a maximum of 40+ match booking points.

Iran will have to put in a similar defensive display as they did against Spain. However, Portugal have proved they are nowhere near the quality of Spain, in terms of possession and quality in midfield. I could genuinely see Iran getting a draw from this game. If not, it will be a very narrow win for Portugal.

Iran vs Portugal will be televised live in the UK on BBC 4 with kick-off at 15:00 GMT.

Prediction: Iran 1-2 Portugal

Suggested Tips –  Iran vs Portugal – (BET365):

  • Portugal to Win – 2-1 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Iran vs Portugal – (SKYBET):

  • BTTS and Portugal Win – 11/2.
  • Portugal to win by exactly one goal – 9/4. 
  • RequestABet UpTo 10/1 – Portugal to score 2+ goals and 5+ Portugal corners – 5/4. (NAP).

Tips updated at 12:30 GMT on 25th June 2018.

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

Saudi Arabia vs Egypt – Match Preview

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Saudi Arabia vs Egypt
Monday 25th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group A, Volgograd Arena, Volgograd

Live on ITV 4 – Kick-Off: 15:00

Saudi Arabia vs Egypt – the two bottom sides in Group A face off with each other looking to restore some pride with both sides already out of the World Cup.

With two defeats from two, Egypt will exit the competition after this match. Despite Mohamad Salah’s inclusion, they were comfortably beaten 3-1 by Russia. The Liverpool playmaker didn’t look 100% fit after his injury in the Champions League final but still grabbed a consolation goal for his side from the penalty spot. It’s been an underwhelming campaign for Egypt, who haven’t shown enough quality to warrant a place in the knockout rounds. Salah’s injury – as well as conceding a 90th-minute goal against Uruguay – has compounded that. They will be left wondering what could have been. Still, this match offers Salah and co the chance to give their supporters something to cheer about. They’ve only conceded goals in the second-half, which may be worth a bet for this game. Equally, Saudi Arabia’s lack of attacking threat could offer them a chance to register a clean sheet.

After getting off to the worst start against Russia, Saudi Arabia lost 1-0 to Uruguay in their second match. That result ended their stay in Russia, but they will still be hoping for their first goal and point against Egypt. Despite losing both games, Saudi Arabia have illustrated that they can play some nice football. The difference in both games has been in both boxes, rather than an inability to pass the ball. Against Uruguay, they had the lion share of possession, especially in the first-half. However, in defence, crucial lapses in concentration and upfront they’ve lacked a goal threat, which has ultimately cost them their place at the World Cup. They have conceded six goals in their first two games and with Salah to come, that number could soon increase.

Wilmer Roldan is the referee for this match. The Colombian has officiated 126 international matches, where has averaged 5.3 yellow and 0.6 red cards. With that in mind, I would advise a maximum of 40+ booking points.

Both these sides will want to sign off with a win. Egypt have a lot more quality in both boxes, which could prove decisive. It would be nice to see Saudi Arabia prevail as they try to play football the right way. Sadly, I don’t think that will happen and I expect Egypt to win.

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

Prediction: Saudi Arabia 0-2 Egypt

Suggested Tips –  Saudi Arabia vs Egypt – (BET365):

  • Egypt to Win – 2-0 – (link no longer available).
  • Under 2.5 Goals and BTTS – No – (link no longer available). (NAP).  

Suggested Tips – Saudi Arabia vs Egypt – (SKYBET):

  • Salah to score first – 11/2.
  • Salah to score a brace – 9/4. 

Tips updated at 12:30 GMT on 25th June 2018.

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