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
Portugal vs Uzbekistan Predictions – Group K (Match 5)
A must-win clash for Roberto Martinez and Portugal after sharing the points with DR Congo in their opener last week.
Martinez’s side dominated possession but managed only nine shots, a disappointing result after Portugal won three consecutive friendlies leading into the World Cup.
As expected, tournament debutants Uzbekistan suffered a 3-1 defeat to Colombia, although there were brief moments for celebration after Abbosbek Fayzullaev equalised in the 60th minute.
At the same time, Uzbekistan failed to record a single touch inside Colombia’s penalty area during the first half, which spells obvious trouble against a dangerous Portugal lineup featuring Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and the embattled Cristiano Ronaldo – who has come under fire for a disappointing performance last week.
Prediction: Portugal (-2 Goals) @ $2.30
Value: Both Teams to Score @ $2.45
Player Prop: Cristiano Ronaldo to Have 3+ Shots on Target @ $1.85
England vs Ghana Predictions – Group L (Match 5)
The top of Group L comes into focus after Ghana surprisingly stole all three points in an opening 1-0 win over Panama.
The Black Star stunned the world with a 94th minute go-ahead goal from Caleb Yirenkyi, showing some real poise in transition to counterattack and potentially book Ghana’s first spot in the knockout round since 2010.
England, meanwhile, stormed to a dominant 4-2 win over Croatia with two goals from Harry Kane and an 85th minute strike from Marcus Rashford for good measure. All up, Thomas Tuchel’s side took 20 shots inside the penalty area and looked stout defensively down the other end against a top-quality opponent.
While we’ve been here many times in the past with England, it’s easy to feel confident about them winning this game handily – especially against a Ghana side that has managed no more than a goal in its last eight matches dating back to October.
Prediction: England to Win & Over 3.5 Goals @ $2.70
Value: Harry Kane First Goalscorer @ $3.10
Player Prop: Marcus Rashford Anytime Goalscorer @ $2.63
Panama vs Croatia Predictions – Group L (Match 6)
Neither Panama or Croatia got the start they were after in the opening games, but there was a clear difference in the way those defeats played out.
Panama went down 1-0 to Ghana in a game where they struggled to offer a whole lot going forward. They kept things reasonably tight defensively, but the lack of cutting edge in the final third is a concern heading into a matchup where they will likely spend long periods without the ball.
Croatia, meanwhile, were beaten 4-2 by England, but there were still some positives to take. They found the net twice against a quality opponent and showed enough in attack to suggest they can cause Panama plenty of problems here.
The worry for Croatia is obviously at the back and where their heads are at emotionally.
Conceding four in an opener is never ideal, and they will need to tidy things up quickly if they want to stay alive in the group.
Still, this looks a much better spot for the Blazers to bounce back. Croatia should control possession, create the better chances, and if they are a little sharper defensively, they look the side most likely to get the job done.
Prediction: Croatia to Win @ $1.52
Value: Croatia to Win and Over 2.5 Goals @ $2.30
Player Prop: Andrej Kramaric Anytime Goalscorer @ $2.45
Colombia vs DR Congo Predictions – Group K (Match 6)
Colombia made a strong start to their campaign, taking care of Uzbekistan 3 1 in a performance that showed just how dangerous they can be when their attack gets rolling.
Luis Diaz remains the obvious threat out wide with his pace and direct running, while James Rodriguez gives them that bit of class and composure in the final third.
DR Congo, meanwhile, deserve plenty of credit for grinding out a draw with Portugal. That is no small result, and it speaks to the discipline and physicality they bring to the table.
They have some real quality of their own, too. Newcastle United’s Yoane Wissa is always dangerous in transition, Cedric Bakambu gives them a focal point up front, while the experienced Chancel Mbemba is the kind of leader you want at the back in a big game like this.
The concern for DR Congo is whether they can back it up against another side with serious attacking weapons. Colombia should see more of the ball and create the better chances, but DR Congo have already shown they are more than capable of making life awkward.
Prediction: Colombia to Win & Under 4.5 Goals @ $1.70
Value: Both Teams to Score @ $2.30
Player Prop: Luis Diaz Anytime Goalscorer @ $2.50