The World Cup has officially arrived, and the Ladbrokes blog is your one-stop shop for daily tips ahead of all the key games. From the Group Stages, right through to the World Cup Final, check back each day to find out who our football expert is backing!
Group Stage
Argentina vs Austria Tips & Predictions – Group J (Match 5)
Argentina will be hoping to pick up where they left off in their opener, shutting out Algeria 3-0 with a dazzling 76th minute goal from Lionel Messi to really ice the cake.
Austria made equally short work of Jordan in a 3-1 win, dominating possession and showing some serious resolve after Iran tied things up at one goal apiece midway through the first half.
While the final result looked dominant on paper, it’s worth remembering Austraia also needed an own goal from Jordan to establish a 3-1 lead, before Mark Arnautovic took care of the rest from the penalty dot.
All in all, the way Austria sets up behind the ball could test Argentina early on, but if they avoid getting caught in transition, Lionel Scaloni’s side looks tough to fault after showing enormous class and poise last week.
Prediction: Both Teams to Score @ $2.10
Best Value: Argentina to Win Both Halves @ $3.60
Player Prop: Julian Alvarez Anytime Goalscorer @ $2.50
France vs Iraq Prediction – Group I (Match 5)
France made the perfect start to their campaign, brushing aside Senegal 3 1 in a performance that had a bit of everything.
They looked sharp going forward, controlled the key moments, and once the game opened up, their attacking quality was simply too much to handle. With Kylian Mbappe leading the line and support from Ousmane Dembele and Marcus Thuram, Les Bleus have scoring options everywhere you look.
Iraq, meanwhile, were handed a reality check in their 4-1 loss to Norway. They found the net, which gives them something to build on, but defensively they were pulled apart far too often. That is a major concern against a France side that can hurt you in transition or with sustained pressure.
This feels like another long afternoon for Iraq unless they can sit deep and stay compact for the full 90.
France should have too much class and too many ways to score.
Prediction: France to Win & Over 3.5 Goals
Value: Correct Score – France 3-0 @ $6.40
Player Prop: Any 2 of Aymen Hussein, Kylian Mbappe or Ousmane Dembele to Score @ $2.20
Norway vs Senegal Prediction – Group I (Match 6)
Norway could not have asked for a better start, putting Iraq away 4-1 in a performance that showed just how dangerous this attack can be.
Erling Haaland was born for the biggest stage and did not disappoint slotting a pair of goals, but with Martin Odegaard pulling the strings and Alexander Sorloth offering another serious threat up front, Norway suddenly look like a side with plenty of ways to hurt teams.
Senegal, meanwhile, were beaten 3-1 by France, but there were still some positives to take. They found the net against one of the tournament favourites and showed enough pace and physicality to suggest they can trouble Norway if given space.
The concern is at the other end. Senegal struggled to contain France’s movement and now face another side stacked with attacking weapons.
Prediction: Both Teams to Score @ $1.70
Value: Over 3.5 Goals @ $3.10
Player Prop: Erling Haaland/Sadio Mane 2+ Goals Combined @ $3.70