All articles by: Ieuan Ivett

Mexico vs Sweden – Match Preview

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Mexico vs Sweden
Wednesday 27th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group F, Ekaterinburg Arena, Ekaterinburg

Live on BBC 2 – Kick-Off: 15:00

Mexico and Sweden will lock horns in their final group stage match at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

The Mexicans have been a breath of fresh air thus far in the tournament, showcasing an energetic, attacking brand of football. Meanwhile, the Swedish have remained a firm outfit and have earned three points from their two outings.

Mexico currently top Group F with two wins from two; the more impressive coming in their 1-0 victory over Germany. Their attacking prowess has been one of the best surprises so far at the tournament with Javier Hernandez leading the line superbly. The West Ham striker seems to have recalled his past form from his days at Old Trafford and is priced by SkyBet at 9/2 to strike first.

Sweden were unfortunate to not get a draw against Germany. A very late freekick from Toni Kroos sank Swedish hearts who did have their chances to finish the Germans off. Ola Toivenen scored a delightful goal in their last match and will be the go-to-guy if Sweden are to get a result from this match. The Toulouse striker is priced at 11/4 to score anytime.

A win for Mexico, priced at 7/5, would see them top the table with maximum points and Sweden’s knockout hopes would be slim, if not impossible. A reverse victory, priced at 11/5, would likely see Sweden through whilst the fate of Mexico would depend on the other result in their group. A draw would secure Mexico’s top spot but leave Sweden relying on South Korea beating the Germans.

The referee for this match is Nestor Pintana. Both nations have been very well mannered so don’t expect too many cards.

Mexico vs Sweden will be televised live in the UK on BBC 2 with kick-off at 15:00 GMT.

Prediction: Mexico 2 – 0 Sweden.

Suggested Tips –  Mexico vs Sweden – (BET365):

  • Mexico win – 2-0 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Mexico vs Sweden – (SKYBET):

  • Hirving Lozano to score anytime – 9/4.
    – Mexico will continue to impress to gain momentum for the round of 16. Their squad is stronger, and their spirit and desire is second to none.
  • Correct Score Group Betting – Mexico to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 21/10. (NAP).
    – Mexico should come out on top in this match, however Sweden will not make it easy for them.
  • Draw 1-1 and no booking points – 200/1 – same market available for 0-0 at 300/1. (Outsider).

Tips updated at 13:40 GMT on 27th June 2018. Markets unlikely be updated again prior to the game kicking off.

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

Nigeria vs Argentina – Match Preview

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Nigeria vs Argentina
Tuesday 26th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group D, Saint Petersburg Stadium, St. Petersburg

Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 19:00

Nigeria vs Argentina – ‘The Super Eagles’ were on top form as they dispatched Iceland in a 2-0 victory and rode their luck with Gylfi Sigurdsson missing a penalty late on to scare the Nigerians. Ahmed Musa was a joy to watch, as he bagged a brace as the African’s rejoiced. Musa to score anytime is priced at 3/1; a good bet to back as he looked a huge threat with his pace.

Argentina have been a sorry sight thus far, with their tournament hanging in the balance. Defensively unorganised, slow to build attacks and far too reliant on Lionel Messi, the South American side were humiliated by Croatia as Luka Modric ran the show to confirm their place on the last 16.

The Nigerians are currently on three points, with a victory this Tuesday seeing them through to the knockout stages. They are priced at 11/2 to defeat the Argentinians. They struggled to show their vibrant brand of football in their first outing however in their win over Iceland they were much more fluid. John Obi Mikel played a deeper lying role which allowed Oghenekaro Etebo to flourish in the middle of the park. Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi was benched however could start their third match.

Argentina, priced at 8/15, are still yet to show their talents and illustrate their delightful attacking arsenal. Sergio Aguero has struggled for service whilst Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria have been ineffective in their creative roles. Messi is priced at 4/6 to score anytime, an outcome that is likely as he understands this is his last chance to have a chance to lift the World Cup.

The match is likely to see one of them eliminated and the other go through, however the result of their groups other match will play a part. Croatia will play Iceland at the same time, with the Croatians already qualified.
The referee for this fixture is Turkish official Cuneyt Çakir. The Turk is a strict official who is no stranger to his pocket. Expect cards.

Prediction: Nigeria 1 – 3 Argentina 

Suggested Tips –  Iceland vs Croatia – (BET365):

  • Argentina win – 3-1 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Iceland vs Croatia – (SKYBET):

  • Price Boost – Lionel Messi to score a hat trick  – 18/1.
    – Of course this man will be the focal point for Argentina, and often supplies when called upon when it really matters.
  • Both Players to score – Ahmed Musa and Lionel Messi to score . – 11/2.
  • RequestABet Up to 10/1 – Messi to score, Argentina to win, over 2.5 goals – 6/4. (NAP). 
  • Di Maria 2+ shots on target and Moses 1+ shots on target – 9/2.
  • Messi to score, Argentina to score 2+ goals, 3+ Nigeria corners, 4+ Argentina corners and 10+ booking points each team – 9/4.

Tips updated at 17:40 GMT on 26th June 2018. Markets unlikely be updated again prior to the game kicking off.

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

 

Iceland vs Croatia – Match Preview

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Iceland vs Croatia
Tuesday 26th June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group D, Rostov Arena, Rostov-On-Don

Live on BBC 4 – Kick-Off: 19:00

Iceland vs Croatia – Iceland suffered a disappointing defeat to the hands of Nigeria as Ahmed Musa stole headlines with an impressive brace. Gylfi Sigurdsson had the chance to give Iceland a lifeline from the penalty spot. However, fluffed his lines to leave Iceland in a poor position in the group table.

Croatia have been arguably the tournament’s best performers so far. Their 3-0 demolition job of Argentina illustrated their excellence, with Luka Modric the stand-out performer. They have already secured qualification to the knockout stages with two victories, so they could rest a few key faces to preserve energy.

Iceland were incredibly impressive in their 1-1 draw with Argentina and will now need to produce the performance of a lifetime if they are to get through the group. They are priced at 13/5 to win the match by SkyBet. Alfreð Finnbogason scored his countries first ever World Cup goal and is the Icelandic’s biggest goal threat against Croatia. He is price boosted at 7/1 to score first.

Croatia have strength in numbers throughout their squad and pose a tricky attacking threat. Striker Ante Rebic opened the scoring against Argentina and remained a threat for large quantities of the match. Mario Mandzukic is likely to lead the line; a responsibility he has impressed with so far. The Juventus striker is priced at 6/1 to score first.

Spaniard Antonio Mateu Lahoz will be the official for this match. The referee will not be a sight for Manchester City fan’s sore eyes after he went a little mental with bookings during Liverpool’s Champions League second leg against the Premier League Champions.

VAR is continuing to affect the tournaments matches as it seems to be correcting decisions aplenty. For VAR to be used in 90 mins 1+ times you will get odds of 6/4.

Prediction: Iceland 1 – 2 Croatia

Suggested Tips –  Iceland vs Croatia – (BET365):

  • Croatia win – 2-1 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips – Iceland vs Croatia – (SKYBET):

  • Gylfi Sigurdsson 2+ Shots On Target – 9/4.
    – The Everton man will be his usual dangerous self from set-pieces and also enjoys to bomb forward and test the goalkeeper.
  • Over 2.5 Goals, Over 10.5 Corners, Over 35 Booking Points – 8/1.
    – Iceland will be throwing everything at Croatia so expect plenty of shots, corners and cards.Both Players to Score.
  • VAR to be used 1+ times – 6/4. (NAP). 

Tips updated at 16:55 GMT on 26th June 2018. Markets unlikely be updated again prior to the game kicking off.

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