All articles by: Elliott Jackson

Brazil vs Switzerland – Match Preview

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Brazil vs Switzerland
Sunday 17th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group E, Rostov Arena, Rostov-On-Don

Live on ITV 1 – Kick-Off: 19:00 GMT

Brazil vs Switzerland – Brazil will be hoping to kick off their World Cup campaign with a bang when they face Switzerland on Sunday in Group E.

With Neymar back fit and firing, Brazil will be confident of their chances this summer. The Brazilian missed the last three months through injury but has returned in style, grabbing two goals in his last two games. The PSG winger looks sharp and now fully rested as he aims to lead his side to glory. The main selection dilemma for Tite is upfront with both Roberto Firmino and Gabriel Jesus vying for the number nine role.

Jesus is expected to pip the Liverpool forward to starting berth, although Firmino offers a great option from the bench. Phillipe Coutinho will also be hoping to carry his late-season form for Barcelona into the yellow kit of Brazil, where he is expected to start on the right of a three-man attack. Since taking over as manager, following their humiliating 7-1 defeat to Germany on their own backyard, Tite has transformed Brazil. Now, four years on, they are one of the most fancied sides to win the tournament, alongside world champions Germany.

Switzerland needed the play-offs to secure their spot in this year’s tournament, with Portugal topping their qualifying group. They managed to secured their place in the World Cup following a 1-0 aggregate win over Northern Ireland. Stoke City winger Xherdan Shaqiri will be hoping to earn himself a move away from the Potters by leading Switzerland out of Group E, whilst Granit Xhaka will be hoping to impress new Gunners boss Unai Emery. Switzerland will expect to finish runners-up in the group, although Costa Rica and Serbia could prove stern opposition.

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 2.69 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.

Although Switzerland are ranked in the top ten of the FIFA world rankings, they don’t have a side capable of competing with the very best. Brazil are my personal tip for the tournament and I consequently expect to get their campaign underway with a win.

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

Prediction: Brazil 2-0 Switzerland

Suggested Tips – Brazil vs Switzerland  – (BET365):

  • Brazil win 2-0 – (link no longer available).
  • Brazil to win to nil – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Brazil vs Switzerland – (SKYBET):

  • Neymar to score first and Brazil to win 2-0 – 11/1.
  • Coutinho and Jesus to both score – 4/1.
  • Brazil to win by three or more goals – 11/4.
  • Popular RequestABets – Neymar to score, Brazil to win by 2+ goals, 6+ match corners, 30+ match booking points – 4/1 (NB).
  • Player to be carded – Granit Xhaka – 11/4.
  • RequestABet – Brazil to score 2+ Goals and 5+ Brazil Corners – 2/1(NAP).
  • @FootyAccums RequestABets – Brazil v Switzerland – Coutinho & Neymar to score, 6+ Brazil corners and 20+ Switzerland booking pts – 14/1.

Tips updated at 18:25 on 17th 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

Germany vs Mexico – Match Preview

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Germany vs Mexico
Sunday 17th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group F, Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow

Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 16:00 GMT

Germany vs Mexico is the second game today. World champions Germany begin the defence of their title on Sunday night against Mexico as they aim to get off to the perfect start in Group F.

Manager Joachim Low controversially left Leroy Sane from his World Cup squad; which is the biggest testament to the Germans strength in depth. Thomas Muller, who often relishes major tournament, is again expected to be their source of goals alongside Timo Werner. The RB Leipzig youngster has established himself as Germany’s first-choice striker, as well as one of Europe’s hottest prospects. He scored 23 goals in the Bundesliga last season making him the division’s sixth highest scorer.

Manuel Neuer is expected to start and captain Germany, despite missing the last six months through injury. Second-choice ‘keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been one of Europe’s best performers this season, which just highlights how highly Neuer is rated. Sweden and the Korean Republic make up the rest of Group F and as a result I would be shocked if Germany didn’t qualify as group winners.

Mexico topped their qualifying group, picking up 21 points from their ten matches. Javier Hernandez will carry most of the goal-scoring burden in Russia, with Mexico only scoring 16 goals in qualifying. They did, however, only concede seven goals, which points to how they will play this summer. Germany are clear favourites to win Group E and consequently there is a realistic chance of any of the other three sides taking second place. Ensuring they avoid a beating against Germany could be pivotal to Mexico’s chance of progressing into the last 16. Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa announced himself on the world stage four years ago with a string of impressive performances; he is expected to be busy against this summer and will need to be at his best if Mexico are to qualify.

Alireza Faghani is the referee for this match. The Iranian refereed at the 2014 World Cup – but was named as a fourth official for the opener between Brazil and Croatia. He’s also been on the big stage at the Olympics and numerous AFC Cup finals around the continent. In a 108 international games he has averaged 4.34 yellow cards per game and 0.23 reds. With that in mind, I would advise a total of 30+ booking points.

Although I really believe Mexico have a strong chance of finishing in second place, Germany should be far too strong for them. It will take a very good side to prevent Low’s team retaining their title and therefore they should grab a comfortable win on Sunday.

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

Prediction: Germany 2-0 Mexico

Suggested Tips –  Germany vs Mexico – (BET365):

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

Suggested Tips –  Germany vs Mexico – (SKYBET):

  • Werner to score first – 7/2.
  • Muller to score a brace – 6/1.
  • Popular RequestABet – Werner to score, Germany to win, 6+ match corners, and 30+ match booking points – 4/1.
  • RequestABet up to 10/1 – Germany to score 2+ goals, 5+ Germany corners and 20+ match booking pts – 6/4 (NAP).

Tips updated at 15:10 on 17th 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

Costa Rica vs Serbia – Match Preview

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Costa Rica vs Serbia
Sunday 17th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group E,  Samara Arena, Samara

Live on ITV 1 – Kick-Off: 13:00 GMT

Costa Rica vs Serbia – Costa Rica take on Serbia in Group E’s second match, with both teams hoping for a good start in their quest to reach the round of 16.

Costa Rica were the surprise package in Brazil four years ago, topping a group that contained Uruguay, Italy and England. The South Americans proved they were capable of competing with some of the world’s big hitters and will be hoping to do the same four years on. In recent warm-up friendlies, they have failed to impress, however. England comfortably beat them 2-0 just six days ago. The most worrying part of their performance was their inability to threaten a defensively-vulnerable England team. Joel Campbell, who was their star man in Brazil, was the only player who looked capable of threatening. They’ll be hoping the Arsenal winger, who spent the season on loan at Real Betis, can replicate that form and guide them out of the group. Former Fulham playmaker Bryan Ruiz captains the side, whilst also providing creativity in attack.

Serbia finished as top dogs in their qualifying group that contained both the Republic of Ireland and Wales. They lost just one game on their way to qualification, beating both sides in the process. Fulham loanee Alexandar Mitrovic was their star striker as he grabbed six goals in the process. He will be hoping to continue that form in the World Cup, where he is expected to start as a lone striker. Serbia also boast former Premier League defenders Alexandar Kolarov and Branislav Ivanovic within their ranks. Both defenders were crucial during their qualifying run and as a result they conceded just ten goals. Kolarov also provides an attacking threat; the former Manchester City fullback is renowned for his powerful left foot.

Both these teams have a realistic chance of qualifying from Group E. With Brazil expected to top the group, it will be an interesting battle between these two sides and Switzerland. Based on Costa Rica’s poor performances in recent friendlies, therefore I think Serbia will edge this one. Although, don’t be surprised if it ends in a draw.

Costa Rica vs Serbia will be televised in the UK on ITV1 with kick-off at 17:00 GMT.

Prediction: Costa Rica 0-1 Serbia

Suggested Tips –  Costa Rica vs Serbia – (BET365):

  • Correct score: Serbia 1-0 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips –  Costa Rica vs Serbia – (SKYBET):

  • Mitrovic and Campbell to both score – 17/2.
  • Tadic to score and win – 4/1.
  • Serbia to win by exactly one goal – 5/2.

Tips updated at 11:30 on 16th 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