All articles by: Elliott Jackson

Russia vs Saudi Arabia – Match Preview

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Russia vs Saudi Arabia
Thursday 14th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group A, Luzhniki Stadium Moscow

Live on ITV 1 – Kick-Off: 16:00

Russia vs Saudi Arabia – The World Cup is finally here! Hosts Russia get the tournament underway when they face Saudi Arabia, with both teams looking for the perfect start.

Russia will be hoping they can take advantage of the carnival atmosphere as they look to steal an early lead in Group A. The hosts will be hoping they can navigate their way out of the group stages and this game is a must win if they are to do that. With Egypt and Uruguay favourites to take the first two spots, Russia need three points to have any chance of causing an upset. If they are to progress, much will rely on the performances of Fyodor Smolov. The FK Krasnodar striker is expected to lead the line for Russia after scoring 15 goals in 24 appearances this season. Former Chelsea defender Yuri Zhirkov is also expected to start in a left-wing-back role. He proved he is more than capable of chipping in with a goal or two during his spell in London.


Saudi Arabia proved that they won’t be easy opposition after they narrowly lost 2-1 to world champions Germany last Friday. Like Russia, their hopes are pinned on their star striker, Nawaf Al-Abed. The Al-Hilal striker scored five goals during qualification; making him their top-scorer on the road to Russia. With tougher opponents to come, Saudi Arabia also know they have to win this match to stand any hopes of qualifying. They will relish the task of spoiling the Russian party on the biggest stage.

Nestor Pitana is the referee for the World Cup opening match. He made his debut in the Argentinian league in 2007 and officiated his first international match in 2010. At the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™, he oversaw four fixtures including France-Germany in the quarterfinals. In his last 83 international matches he has averaged 4.71 yellow cards and 0.25 reds. With that in mind, I would advise a maximum total match booking points of 40+.

Both teams are likely to be nervous coming into this match, which could make it a cagey encounter. An early goal would be perfect for either side, especially the hosts. I think, however, Russia will have just enough to get off to the perfect start.

Russia vs Saudi Arabia will be televised live in the UK on ITV 1 with kick-off at 16:00 GMT.

Prediction: Russia 2-1 Saudi Arabia

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

  • Correct Score: Russia 2-1 – 9/1.
  • Smolov to score first and Russia to win 2-0 – 20/1.
  • BTTS and Russia to win – 10/3.
  • Al-Muwallad to score in 90 mins – 9/2.

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

FIFA World Cup 2018 – Tournament Betting Preview – RequestABets Special

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FIFA World Cup 2018 Tournament Betting Preview – RequestABet special

With the FIFA World Cup 2018 a day away, everyone is wanting to get their tournament accas ready. SkyBet have launched a brand new World Cup section dedicated to their popular RequestABets. But which ones are good value? How certain are some of these bets?

Here are some of the best tips to top up your bank balance this summer.

Brazil, France, Germany and Spain to reach the quarter-finals – 7/2.

All four of these sides have been fancied by many to challenge for the trophy themselves. Looking at the groups, it is unlikely that any of the four would fall at the first hurdle. Of course, nothing is certain, but I like the look of the one from the start. Brazil are my personal tip to win the competition, with Germany in second-place. The current world champions will not let go of their crown easily.

France have unbelievable depth in their squad and therefore should be strong challengers after losing out in the European Championship final, two years ago. Spain are a much-changed side from the team that won the World Cup in 2010 but have regrouped under Julen Lopetegui.

This bet seems as close to a sure thing as possible. In order to really take advantage, I would advise a high stake, due to the bets low risk. Nothing is certain in life, but this appears to be pretty close to it.

Neymar, Messi and Lukaku to score 3+ goals – 4/1.

It’s tough to predict who will come out on top in the race for the golden boot. What is certain is that all three of these players will be key to their teams’ chances of success.

Messi and Neymar are both first-choice penalty takers for their sides, whilst Lukaku is second in line behind Eden Hazard. All three stars will start every game, with injury and suspension aside.

Each side is expected to get out the group, if not top it. Argentina face Croatia, Iceland and Nigeria which are all teams that leak goals. Messi could easily have his three goals before the group stages are out.

Neymar is Brazil’s poster boy. They should navigate through their group with ease, with Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia all expected to fight it out for the second spot.

Finally, Belgium’s toughest opponents are England. Aside from them, Lukaku could grab himself a hatful against lower-ranked sides Tunisia and Panama.

Longshot – Germany and Brazil to win all their group games and Panama and Iran to lose all their group games – 80/1.

I really like the look of this bet. Whilst it’s at much longer odds compared to the other two bets, this could be a real money maker. Panama and Iran are both the weakest sides in their groups that contain England, Belgium, Spain and Portugal. Both sides’ only hopes of a point will come against Tunisia and Morocco, which I still don’t think is likely.

Germany and Brazil are two of the strongest sides in the tournament. Both teams should win their groups and I can easily see both taking maximum points. This is great value at 80/1 and I would advise putting a few pounds on as a potential money maker.

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.

England vs Nigeria – Match Preview

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England vs Nigeria
Saturday 2nd June 2018
International Friendly, Wembley Stadium 

Live on ITV 1, Kick-Off: 20:00 GMT

England vs Nigeria: England host Nigeria in the first of a friendly doubleheader as Gareth Southgate looks finalises his starting side for the World Cup.

England’s two upcoming friendlies offer Southgate a final opportunity to tinker with his side. This is the first game the Three Lions have played since their World Cup squad was announced. They’re expected to line up with a back three, a system they have often plays under his reign. He has, however, rotated between the 3-4-3 and 3-5-2 system. I believe Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s ACL injury will push Southgate towards the 3-4-3 formation, with Eric Dier and Jordan Henderson likely to be England’s starting central midfield pairing.

The main decisions for Southgate lie in defence and attack. It appears to be a straight shoot-out between Dele Alli and Jese Lingard to join Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling in a dynamic trio. In goal, we are still no nearer to discovering whether Jack Butland or Jordan Pickford will don the number one shirt. Kyle Walker’s role in the side is also a much-discussed topic. Despite being a natural RB/RWB, Southgate played the City defender at RCB, a role he performed well in. That could allow Kieran Trippier or the ever-improved Trent Alexander- Arnold the chance to operate down the right-hand side.

You can bet on England’s starting X! for their first World Cup group game and I fancy this team at 6/1 (Pickford, Trippier, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Rose, Henderson, Dier, Sterling, Alli, Kane).

Nigeria will be a good test for England. They have strung together some impressive results, most notably their 4-2 win against Argentina last November. Alex Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho and Victor Moses are all well-known Premier League names and all three should start at the World Cup. They will face Argentina, Croatia and Iceland in a tough-looking Group; if they can make it past the group stages that would be an impressive tournament.

Marco Guida is the referee for Saturday’s match. The Italian has the highest average card total in Serie A, with 5.38 per match. He has officiated 16 league games this season, brandishing 79 yellow cards and three red cards.

Whilst both manager will use this game to fine tune their sides, they will both want to win. England should have too much for Nigeria and I expect them to win with a little to spare.

England vs Nigeria will be televised live in the UK from Wembley Stadium on ITV 1 with kick-off at 17:15.

Prediction: England 2-0 Nigeria

Suggested Tips – England vs Nigeria (BET365):

  • Correct score, England 2-0 –(link no longer available).
  • Harry Kane to score first – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – England vs Nigeria (SKYBET):

  • Sterling to score and win – 2/1.
  • England to win by exactly two goals – 3/1.
  • England to win to nil – 11/10.

Odds and markets last updated on 27 March 2018 @16:50 GMT.

Keep visiting the tips and preview area for further updates and betting previews for more previews from the International break this week. We also have domestic fixtures returning at the end of the week so keep an eye on those previews in the tips and preview area.