The third round of World Cup group stage fixtures are upon us and we’re back with our betting tips ahead of Tuesday’s games. We’ve put together a 19/1 Acca from the four games and have provided our score predictions.
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Ecuador vs Senegal
Senegal, fresh off the back of winning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), remained resilient during the second round of qualifiers with six wins and one draw. However, they weren’t able to maintain their streak and were far from convincing in their 2-0 loss against the Netherlands in their opening game of the World Cup. Their key forward, Sadio Mané, sustained an injury just before the event and was forced to opt out from Senegal’s World Cup squad.
The Ecuadorians, on the other hand, did well to qualify, ranking fourth in their group with many more notable footballing nations like Colombia missing out in their place. They were able to beat host nation Qatar 2-0 in their opening game, with Enner Valencia scoring twice. But despite their win, it will be interesting to see how they get on against a team that has much more quality in their ranks.
Draw – 2.75
Score Prediction: 2-2
Netherlands vs Qatar
The Netherlands are considered by many experts to be dark horses to win the World Cup this year. With their star-studded line-up of youngsters and experienced players such as Virgil van Dijk and Memphis Depay, the Dutch crushed AFCON champions Senegal in the opening game of the championship. In contrast, Qatar lost their opening game and they are most likely worries about how the Dutch might attack them.
With an apparent gap in rankings and overall skill level between both teams, the flying Dutch are far superior to the host nation in every aspect of play. The Netherlands haven’t lost a single game since the beginning of the WC Qualifiers in September 2021. So, there’s little to no possibility that the Dutch will be on the receiving end of an upset.
Netherlands to win – 1.18
Score Prediction: 3-0
Iran vs USA
This Iran vs USA confrontation will likely be surrounded by political noise given the fact that this match will be played on the backdrop of major political tension between the two nations and the current political unrest in Iran. Hopefully, their conflict will not get in the way of what could be an excellent match.
Iran’s form in the qualifiers was very impressive, yet, England dominated and absolutely thrashed Iran 6-2 in their opening game of the World Cup. This devastating loss has most probably taken out a big chunk of the team’s morale and has likely affected their confidence going forward in the tournament.
Although USA were able to draw against Wales, we believe a wounded Iran will put up a strong fight. We believe that the U.S. defence can be got at. The likes of Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Mehdi Taremi, and Sardar Azmoun, all of whom are competent goalscorers, will be looking to prey on any weaknesses U.S.A. have at the back.
Iran to win – 3.96
Score Prediction: 3-2
Wales vs England
No love will be lost as these two go head-to-head in Qatar. Before the World Cup, both teams had been involved in consecutive winless games in the Nations League. Though, Harry Kane led England to the top of the table in the qualifiers comfortably. Additionally, their opening game saw them beat Iran 6-2 with ease.
This is the first time since 1958 that the Welsh were able to qualify for the WC. The Red Dragons of Wales, despite struggling in the qualifiers, were able to set their World Cup opener against the USA in a draw thanks to the leveller scored by five-time UCL winner, Gareth Bale, who is currently playing his first and probably last WC.
Historically speaking, England has had an excellent record against the Red Dragons; there is no doubt that the Three Lions have more talented players than Wales. However, Daniel James, Aaron Ramsey, and Gareth Bale do have the ability to give the English defence a tough time this Tuesday and from England’s point of view, they will be hoping that qualification is already done and dusted by the time these two nations meet.
England to win – 1.52
Score Prediction: 0-2
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