All articles by: Elliott Jackson

Argentina vs Iceland – Match Preview

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Argentina vs Iceland
Saturday 16th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group D, Spartak Stadium, Moscow

Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 14:00 GMT

Argentina vs Iceland – Lionel Messi will be hoping to inspire Argentina to victory as they kick off their World Cup campaign against Iceland.

Messi, who single-handedly dragged Argentina through qualifying, will be looking to add the final trophy to his cabinet this summer. After losing the final in 2014 to Germany, the Argentine forward will hope to follow in Diego Maradona’s steps by leading his country to victory. Qualification was far from plane sailing for Argentina. It took a Messi-inspired performance against Ecuador to seal their place in this summer’s tournament. Despite boasting a forward line as good as any in the competition, with the likes of Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala, they look far from fluid.

Without their forwards, this is a very ordinary Argentina side. It looks unbalanced, as Alejandro Sabella tries to fit in all his attacking stars. At the back and in midfield they lack the same quality as other leading nations such as France, Spain and Germany. They will also be without West Ham playmaker Manuel Lanzini after he suffered a long-term knee injury in training, which has ruled him out of the tournament.

After creating a huge impression at the European Championships two years ago, Iceland will be hoping to showcase their credentials once more. That shock victory over England has lived long in the memory and will be used as inspiration when they face Argentina. With Denmark and Peru making up the rest of Group D, it will be an interesting battle to see who can progress into the round of 16. I would make Denmark favourites, however, Iceland will relish the tag of ‘underdogs’. Everton midfielder Glyfi Sigurdsson will once again be their star man, despite missing the last two months through injury. Burnley’s Johann Gudmundsson will also be a threat after an impressive season with the Clarets.Iceland could well provide another shock here. It won’t be as cut and dry as many may expect. However, with Messi in their ranks, Argentina should have enough to kick off their World Cup campaign with a win.

Prediction: Argentina 3-1 Iceland

Prediction: Argentina 3-1 Iceland

Suggested Tips –  Argentina vs Iceland – (BET365):

  • Correct score, Argentina 3-1 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips –  Argentina vs Iceland – (SKYBET):

  • Messi to score a brace – 3/1.
  • Aguero and Di Maria to both score – 6/1.
  • Argentina to win and BTTS – 3/1.
  • Over 2.5 goals – 1/1.

Tips updated at 10:30 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

France vs Australia – Match Preview

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France vs Australia
Saturday 16th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group C,  Kazan Arena, Kazan

Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 11:00 GMT

France vs Australia is the opening game for Group C. Both sides will be hoping to get off to the perfect start with a win.

France will be hoping to lay down an early marker in the World Cup. They have one of the most exciting, youthful squads, which holds fantastic strength in depth. Anthony Martial, Alexandre Lacazette, Dimitri Payet and Kingsley Coman are just a few star names that haven’t even made the squad. With Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele in attack, it would be easy to overlook the importance of a less spectacular name. Oliver Giroud.


The Chelsea striker is expected to start as France’s number nine, having continued his fine international form throughout qualifying. Giroud offers France’s flair players a platform to build from and a presence in the 18-yard-box. His link-up play with Griezmann at the European Championships in 2016 was crucial as they reached the final. With Paul Pogba, Ngolo Kante, Rafael Varane and Hugo Lloris supporting France’s deadly attack, there is a real belief they could announce themselves on the world stage.

Australia qualified for the World Cup after beating Honduras in a play-off match. Whilst Tim Cahill has often been their star man, Premier League midfielder Aaron Mooy could be their main guy in Russia. There Huddersfield playmaker has impressed in his debut top-flight campaign. Alongside captain Mile Jedinak, Mooy will hope to provide creativity in midfield. The ageing Cahill can still provide a threat, although it is likely he will be used as an impact substitute. If Australia have any hopes of making it of the group, they need to avoid a heavy defeat.

France’s biggest challenge should come from Denmark and Peru, and I expect them to get off to a strong start on Saturday. Whilst Australia will be resolute, they just don’t have enough quality to compete with France’s star-studded squad.

France vs Australia will be televised live in the UK on BBC 1 with an early morning kick off at 11AM GMT.

Prediction: France 3-0 Australia

Suggested Tips –  France vs Australia – (BET365):

  • Correct score: France to win 3-0 – (link no longer available).
  • Over 2.5 Goals and BTTS – No – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips –  France vs Australia – (SKYBET):

  • Giroud to score and win – 5/4.
  • Both Players to Score – Griezmann and Mbappe to score – 7/2.
  • RequestABet up to 10/1 – France to win by 2 goals and score 5+ corners – 5/4. (NAP).

Tips updated at 10:00 GMT 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

Portugal vs Spain – Match Preview

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Portugal vs Spain
Friday 15th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group B, Fisht Stadium, Sochi

Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 19:00

Portugal vs Spain – Portugal and Spain face off in a crunch battle in Group C, with both sides looking to put down an early marker in the World Cup.

With both these two sides expected to make it through to the knockout stages, this game could be crucial in deciding who tops the group. Spain have been revitalised since Julen Lopetegui took over two years ago and look ready to launch another World Cup push. Lopetegui has impressed so much that he has been appointed as Zinedine Zidane’s successor and will join Real Madrid after the tournament. With that in mind, what better way to sign off than to win a second World Cup title in eight years.

Spain have some fantastic talent, having rebuilt following their disappointing display in Brazil. David Silva, Isco and Sergio Busquets have all had fantastic seasons at their respective clubs, whilst Atletico Madrid representatives Koke, Saul and Diego Costa should all play crucial roles. They have the best ‘keeper in the world, in the shape of David De Gea, whilst Gerrard Pique, Jordi Alba and Sergio Ramos have won almost every honour possible between them.

Portugal will hope they can provide another shock after winning the European Championships two years ago. Lead by Ballon d’Or holder Cristiano Ronaldo, who will be crucial to their hopes in the competition, they will hope to go unnoticed once again. Manchester City winger Bernardo Silva will be hoping to build on his impressive debut campaign at the Etihad, whilst PSG loanee Goncalo Guedes has impressed at Valencia. Portugal may have some young blood in attack, but their defence is coming to the end of its cycle. Defenders Pepe, Jose Fonte and Bruno Alves are all starting what is likely to be their last World Cup. They’ll be hoping to sign off their international careers in style.

Gianluca Rocchi is the referee for Friday’s clash. The Italian plies his trade in Serie A, where he has averaged 5.25 card per match this season. That is the second highest in the division, with Rocchi showing 76 yellow cards and four reds across 16 league games.

This game will likely dictate the winner of Group B, although I wouldn’t discount Morocco contesting for second place. Despite Portugal being the European Champions, I expect Spain to get off to the perfect start on Friday.

Prediction: Spain 2-0 Portugal.

Suggested Tips –  Portugal vs Spain – (BET365):

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

Suggested Tips –  Portugal vs Spain – (SKYBET):

  • Diego Costa to score first – 7/2.
  • @FootyAccums RequestABet – Ronaldo & Costa to score and Carvalho & Pique to be carded – 125/1.
  • VAR to be used at least 1+ times during the game – 6/4.
  • Over 1.5 goals, 3+ corners each team and 20+ match booking pts – 1/1 (NAP).
  • Player to be Carded – Sergio Ramos (Spain) – 13/8.

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