All articles by: Elliott Jackson

Argentina vs Croatia – Match Preview

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Argentina vs Croatia
Thursday 21st June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group D, Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Nizhny Novgorod

Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 19:00

Argentina Argentina will be hoping to open their account for the tournament when they face off against group-leaders Croatia on Thursday.

Lionel Messi endured a tough start to the World Cup, missing a crucial penalty as Argentina drew 1-1 with Iceland. Despite Sergio Aguero opening the scoring with his first ever World Cup goal, it was not enough to get them off to the perfect start. Argentina confirmed what a lot of people had already thought; going forwards they are dangerous but defensively they’re vulnerable. With Iceland sitting 11 men behind the ball and counter-attacking Argentina struggled to break a resilient rear-guard. Messi was swamped whenever he was in possession, whilst there was no room for Aguero to work his magic.

Croatia are unlikely to sit as deep as Iceland did. They have far superior footballers and will, therefore, look to play a more possession-based game. They got off to a dream start with a comfortable 2-0 win over a lifeless Nigeria. Luka Modric was influential as always before sealing the win with a second-half penalty. Croatia have an incredibly talented squad, especially in midfield, the main question mark hanging over them is can they score enough goals? They will be hoping for the likes of Ivan Perisic and Andrej Kramaric to help frontman Mario Mandzukic in order to fire them into the last 16.

Ravshan Irmatov is the referee for this game. The Uzbekistan official also officiated Argentina’s 4-0 defeat to Germany back in 2010. Over 164 international matches, he has averaged 3.43 yellow cards and 0.25 reds per game. Therefore, I would advise a maximum of 40+ booking points for this natch.

I can’t see this game being a particular high-scoring affair. It will be a tactical battle, in which neither side will want to lose. Therefore I’m going for a score draw, although Argentina will be desperate to get their first win of the tournament.

Prediction: Argentina 1-1 Croatia

Suggested Tips –  Argentina vs Croatia – (SKYBET):

  • Messi to score first – 11/4.
  • Draw – 1-1 – 5/1.
  • Perisic and Aguero both to score – 9/1.
  • Under 2.5 goals – 4/6.
  • Croatia double chance – 8/11.
  • Price Boost – Messi to score outside the area – 10/1.

  • RequestABet Specials Up to 10/1 – Over 1.5 goals, Messi 2+ shots on target & Mandzukic 1+ shots on target, 8+ match corners and 20+ match booking pts – 7/2. (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.

FIFA World Cup 2018 – Promotional Offer by BET365

 

Tunisia vs England – Match Preview

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Tunisia vs England
Monday 18th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group G, Volgograd Arena, Volgograd

Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 19:00

England kick off their World Cup campaign against Tunisia, with Gareth Southgate’s youthful squad hoping to make a positive start in Group G.

Two wins from their last two warm-up friendlies is promising; as is England’s form since the former Middlesbrough boss took over. There is a clear style to the Three Lions’ play, a system, an identity – something they have been lacking for many years. A lot of people have described this England group as one of the least talented, given the players gone by in previous years. The ‘golden generation’, which contained masses of medals, trophies and countless honours, have now been and gone.

What England are left with is a group of unified players. A happy, confident-looking bunch. That positive atmosphere breeds; it’s written across all the players’ faces. It’s worth remembering that whilst England may lack a midfield maestro, like a Paul Scholes, they do have Harry Kane – one of the world’s best strikers. Kane struggled in France two years ago in his first international tournament. Now, as newly-appointed captain, the pressure is even greater for the Spurs forward to deliver. England have to build around him to have any hopes of progressing to the latter stages of the tournament.

Tunisia come into the game as firm underdogs. With Belgium and England expected to fight it out for top spot, they will be hoping to go under the radar and cause an upset. Ensuring victory against Panama and avoiding defeat in one of their other game looks to be their only hope. Their chances may be slender, but there is always a chance. They will be hoping for big performances from former Sunderland winger Wahbi Zhakri and striker Youssef Msakni. Msakhni was their top scorer in qualifying and has scored seven goals for them in the last 18 months.

Wilmer Roldan is the referee for England’s opening match. This is the Colombian’s second World Cup, having officiated four years ago against Brazil. In 125 international matches he has averaged 5.34 yellow cards and shown a penalty in 0.3 of his games. Therefore, any penalty bets might be worth a look whilst I’d advise 40+ booking points for the match.

For the first time in a while, the whole country seems behind England heading into a major tournament. Nobody expects them to lift the trophy, but there is a quiet sense of optimism. I expect England to get off to the perfect start on Monday, although as often is this case, nothing is ever straightforward with the Three Lions.

Prediction: Tunisia 0-2 England

Suggested Tips –  Tunisia vs England – (BET365):

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

Suggested Tips –  Tunisia vs England – (SKYBET):

  • Harry Kane to score first – 2/1.
  • Both Players to Score – Sterling & Rashford both to score – 7/2.
  • England to win to nil – 1/1.
  • England to win to Nil, 6+ England Corners, and 20 + Match Booking points – 2/1 (NAP).
  • England to score 2+ goals and 20+ Tunisia booking pts – 7/4.

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

Belgium vs Panama – Match Preview

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Belgium vs Panama
Monday 18th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group G, Fisht Stadium, Sochi

Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 16:00 GMT

Belgium vs Panama – Belgium will be hoping to remove their tag as ‘dark horses’ by announcing themselves on the world stage when they kick off their campaign against Panama.

In the last two major tournaments, Belgium have been tagged as everyone’s ‘wildcard’. With the talent within their squad, it’s time for them to come of age. Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku are just a few names in a star-studded team that will all be crucial to their hopes in Russia. Lukaku, in particular, has been in fine form for his country of late. He is now their record scorer having surpassed the previous record of 31 back in November, before scoring 29 goals in his debut season for Manchester United. With Messrs Hazard, KDB and Dries Mertens supplying him, he should grab a hatful of goals this summer. Lukaku will lead the line in every match he’s available and as a result, he isn’t a bad bet for the golden boot award.

Belgium’s real problem has always been trying to get their star names to gel. They have always looked like 11, incredibly talented, individuals on a pitch. Roberto Martinez’s main task is to turn them into a more fluid, cohesive side. At the back, they should have Vincent Kompany available despite trudging off in their latest warm-up friendly.

Panama secured their place in the World Cup on goal difference. They finished third in their qualifying group and avoided the play-offs by the tightest of margins. They picked up 13 points from ten games, winning just three. Roman Torres was their top-scorer in qualifying but the striker has just recovered from injury and it remains to be seen whether he will be at his best. With that in mind, their fortunes may rely on goalkeeper Jaime Penedo and New York Red Bulls defender Fidel Escobar. Both were key men during qualifying and come into the tournament off the back of good seasons with their respective clubs.

Without being disrespectful, the main aim for Panama is to avoid getting thumped. Therefore, I expect Belgium to comfortably win. They will be far too strong for Panama but the Red Devils will need to be patient to break down their five-at-the-back rearguard.

Belgium vs Panama will be televised in the UK on BBC 1 with kick-off at 16:00 GMT.

Prediction: Belgium 3-0 Panama

Suggested Tips – Belgium vs Panama  – (BET365):

  • Correct score: Belgium 3-0 – (link no longer available).
  • Over 2.5 Goals and Both Teams to Score – No – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Belgium vs Panama  – (BET365):

  • Lukaku to score a brace – 11/4.
  • Belgium to win by three or more goals – 11/8.
  • Hazard to score first – 7/2.
  • RequestABet Specials Up to 10/1 – Belgium v Panama – Belgium to win to nil, Belgium to win by 2+ goals, 5+ Belgium corners and 20+ match booking pts – 9/4. (NAP).

Tips updated at 12:45 on 18th June.

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