All articles by: Elliott Jackson

England vs Panama – Match Preview

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England vs Panama
Sunday 24th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group G, Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Nizhny Novgorod

Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 13:00

England vs Panama. England can seal their place in the round of 16 with a victory when they face Panama In their second Group G match.

England sealed victory in the most dramatic style against Tunisia, with Harry Kane’s 90th-minute header securing the win. In truth it was a goal Gareth Southgate’s team deserved, having dominated the game. They were denied two blatant penalties, with Kane twice being hauled to the ground, but the referee and VAR remained unmoved. After a fantastic opening 30 minutes, where England created numerous clear-cut chances, they conceded a sloppy penalty. This underlined England’s inability to remain concentrated despite being in complete control of the game.

Dele Alli was forced off with a thigh strain, although the severity of the injury is unknown. Ruben Loftus-Cheek will be on standby to deputise after impressing with a late cameo role. Marcus Rashford could also be in line to replace Raheem Sterling, who struggled to influence the game from a more central position. Overall, it was an encouraging display from England, especially in the first-half. However, as always, they are susceptible defensively and will give teams chance.

Panama struggled in their first ever World Cup game against Belgium. Despite holding the Red Devils for 45 minutes, they lost 3-0. In truth, Panama look out of their depth but were resolute enough to frustrate Belgium for large periods of the game. Having watched both games, I would expect Tunisia to beat Panama, which would leave them at the bottom of Group G.

Ahead Grisha is the referee for this game. The Egyptian will take charge of his first ever World Cup game when the Three Lions meet Panama. In 69 international matches, Grisha has averaged 3.33 yellow cards per game and 0.12 reds. With that in mind, I’d advise a maximum booking points total of 40+.

England never do things the easy way, as demonstrated against Tunisia. However, if they can start in the same vein and pick up an early goal, they should win this game comfortably. After grabbing a brace in the first match, Kane will be licking his lips at the prospect of coming against this Panama defence.

England vs Panama will be televised live in the UK on BBC 1 with kick-off at 13:00 GMT.

Prediction: England 3-0 Panama

Suggested Tips –  England vs Panama – (BET365):

  • England to Win – 3-0 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – England vs Panama – (SKYBET):

  • Kane to score a brace – 7/2.
  • Price Boost – Marcus Rashford to score outside the area – 22/1. 
  • @FootyAccums RequestABet – Kane & Lingard to score and Roman Torres & Gomez to be carded – 50/1. 
  • RequestABet up to 10/1 – England to win to nil, England to score 2+ goals and 5+ match corners – 6/5. (NAP).
  • Both Players to score – Kane and Rashford – 11/4.
  • RequestABet up to 10/1 – Kane to score, England to score 2+ goals, 6+ England corners and 20+ Panama booking pts – 9/4.
  • RequestABet up to 10/1 –  Kane to score and England win 3-0 – 13/2.

Tips updated at 11:30 GMT on 24th June 2018 – we should be updating the preview before kick off again 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

 

Germany vs Sweden – Match Preview

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Germany vs Sweden
Saturday 23rd June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group F, Fisht Stadium, Sochi

Live on ITV 1 – Kick-Off: 19:00

Germany vs Sweden – the Germans will be hoping to bounce back from their shock defeat to Mexico when they take on Sweden in Group F.

The world champions got off to the worst possible start, losing 1-0 to the Mexicans. Hirving Lozano was enough to separate the teams, although, in truth, the scoreline could have been bigger. Despite dominating the ball, Germany left themselves open to the counter-attack. Lozano, Javier Hernandez and Carlos Vela, in particular, were a constant menace with their pace and movement. Germany were restricted to just half-chance, which they couldn’t take advantage of. Substitute Mario Gomez was the guilty party as he missed their best chance in the second-half. This result was a real shock; Germany had looked strong in their recent warm-up friendlies. With the calibre of players they have, I would expect their defeat to spur them on, as they bid to make amends.

Sweden kicked off their World Cup campaign with a 1-0 win against South Korea. Defender Andreas Granqvist’s penalty was enough to seal the win, despite the best efforts of Korea ‘keeper Hyeonwoo Jo. In truth, it could have been a much larger scoreline but, without Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Sweden were wasteful in front of goal. However, despite the absence of Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof, who missed the game through illness, Sweden looked solid. They will have to maintain that level of defensive stability if they’re to keep out Germany, who have to win this game. Sweden know a point would put them in a prime position to qualify, although they would still stand a good chance if they lost.

Germany have a team full of winners. They will be desperate to re-write their wrongs and I’d expect to see a different animal entirely in this game. Sweden’s lack a clinical finisher and I struggle to see them being able to counter-attack Germany as Mexico did.

Prediction: Germany 2-0 Mexico

Suggested Tips –  Germany vs Sweden – (BET365):

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

Suggested Tips –  Germany vs Sweden – (SKYBET):

  • Muller to score & win – 12/1.
  • Correct score group betting – Germany to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 7/2. 
  • Germany win to nil – 50/1. 

Tips updated at 17:30 GMT on 22nd June 2018 – we should be updating the preview before kick off again 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

 

Korea Republic vs Mexico – Match Preview

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Korea Republic vs Mexico
Saturday 23rd June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group F, Rostov Arena, Rostov-On-Don

Live on ITV 1 – Kick-Off: 16:00

Korea Republic vs Mexico – after their surprise victory over Germany, Mexico will be hoping to kick on their campaign with another win against Korea Republic on Saturday.

That opening-day win against the world champions has put Mexico in charge of Group F. They top the group alongside Sweden who also have three points. Although Mexico defended very well, it was their counter-attacking play that really caught the eye. Hirving Lozano, in particular, impressed, as he grabbed the only goal of the game. Javier Hernandez also lead the line impressively, rolling back the years with his movement against two of the world’s best central defenders. The most impressive thing about their performance was that it was far from a ‘backs against the wall’ showing. In midfield, they matched Germany, with Hector Herrera running the show against Messrs Toni Kroos and Sami Khedira. I’d be lying if I said I fancied them before this game, however, they showed real signs of being potential dark horses.

Korea found themselves on the wrong end of a 1-0 scoreline as they kicked off their World Cup campaign against Sweden. Andreas Granqvist’s second-half penalty separated the two teams, although it could have been a bigger scoreline. Korea lacked any true quality through the pitch, with the exception of their goalkeeper. Premier League regulars Heung-Min Son and Ki Seung-Yeung were unable to influence the game. Having watched all four teams in Group F, they are by far the weakest. They lack any real threat in attack, with Son often tasked with leading the charge on his own.

Given their contrasting performances in the opening round of games, there’s really only one winner here. The real test for Mexico is to see if they can translate their impressive performance against weaker opposition.

Prediction: Korea Republic 0 – 2 Mexico

Suggested Tips –  Korea Republic vs Mexico – (BET365):

  • Correct score, Mexico to win 2-0 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips –  Korea Republic vs Mexico – (SKYBET):

  • Hernandez to score and win – 2/1.
  • Mexico to win by exactly two goals – 7/2.
  • Vela and Lozano to score – 7/1. 

Tips updated at 17:20 GMT on 22nd June 2018 – we should be updating the preview before kick off again 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