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
Switzerland vs Canada Predictions – Group B (Match 9)
A raucous atmosphere is expected in Vancouver on Wednesday with first place up for grabs in Group B.
Canada currently occupies top spot ahead of the Swiss, a 6-0 pummeling of Qatar last week seeing them ahead on goal difference.
Switzerland also notched its first win of the tournament with a dominant 4-1 defeat of Bosnia-Herzegovina. While they stumbled to a draw on Matchday 1 against Qatar, the Swiss remain stout defensively, conceding a goal or fewer over their last five games.
Canada will be riding the highs of winning its first-ever World Cup game last week, but they’ve typically struggled against some of the top European teams, failing to record a win across their last three outings.
The co-hosts won’t be afforded the same luxury of throwing caution to the wind on attack, as this game figures to be a slow, grind-it-out type affair with both sides looking to keep their composure and build towards the knockout stage.
Prediction: Under 2.5 Goals @ $1.75
Value: Draw @ $3.15
Player Pick: Ruben Vargas to Score or Assist @ $2.50
Bosnia & Herzegovina vs Qatar Predictions – Group B (Match 10)
Bosnia and Herzegovina will be looking to steady the ship here after coming away from last week’s meeting with Switzerland without the result they were after.
There were still some decent signs, particularly in the way they competed physically and looked to stay organised behind the ball, but they will need to show a little more polish in the final third if they want to take full advantage of this matchup.
Edin Dzeko remains the main focal point up front and still gives Bosnia a real presence in the box, while Ermedin Demirovic has been in strong touch and looks capable of causing problems with his movement and work rate.
Qatar, meanwhile, are coming off a horror 6-0 loss to Canada, and it is hard to ignore just how easily they were opened up. They were second best in every key area and now face a quick turnaround against a Bosnia side that should fancy its chances of controlling large parts of the game.
After conceding six last week, confidence has to be a concern for Qatar, especially against a Bosnia side with enough experience and quality to grind out a result.
Prediction: Bosnia & Herzegovina to Win & Over 2.5 Goals @ $1.91
Value: Bosnia & Herzegovina to Cover (-2.0 Goals) @ $3.30
Player Pick: Akram Akif to Have 1+ Shot on Target @ $2.05
Scotland vs Brazil Prediction – Group C (Match 9)
The Tartan Army has reportedly taken over Miami in time for this crucial Group C matchup between Scotland and Brazil.
After securing a memorable 1-0 win over Haiti on return, the tournament newcomers were quickly on the other side of the same result when conceding inside the opening minutes last week.
Brazil, meanwhile, steadied to earn a 3-0 win over Haiti – a much-improved result after being held to a 1-1 draw against Morocco in their opener.
It was a much more complete performance from Carlo Ancelotti’s side and one that could see the Selecao really switch into fifth gear with the knockout round fast approaching.
For Scotland, there is still a faint hope of making it through to the next stage if they manage to share the points with Brazil. They’ll need to be almost flawless defensively though against an opponent that will more than likely control the lion’s share of possession.
For a tip, don’t be surprised if Scotland keep it interesting for a small portion – especially given some of Brazil’s defensive struggles against Morocco. All in all, the class of the heavy favourites should prove too much.
Prediction: Brazil to Cover (-1.5 Goals) @ $2.00
Value: Both Teams to Score @ $2.20
Player Pick: Vinicius Junior Anytime Goalscorer
Morocco vs Haiti Predictions – Group C (Match 10)
Morocco have built into the tournament nicely and are starting to resemble the dark horse team that many fancied them to be.
Following up an opening draw with a professional 1-0 win over Scotland last week, they have appeared more organised, hard to break down, and with Achraf Hakimi driving from fullback, they should create enough chances here.
Haiti have battled hard, but two losses from two tells the story. They have lacked polish in the final third and now face a Morocco side that should control most of the ball.
Prediction: Morocco to Win to Nil @ $1.73
Value: Morocco to Win & Under 2.5 Goals @ $3.40
Player Prop: Ismael Saibari Anytime Goalscorer @ $1.95
South Africa vs South Korea Prediction – Group A (Match 9)
Czechia steadied things slightly with a draw against South Africa last week, but they still look like a side searching for that extra bit of quality in the final third. They are organised enough to make this competitive, with Patrik Schick always a threat if given service, while Tomas Soucek gives them a real presence from midfield and set pieces.
Mexico, meanwhile, have been one of the more impressive sides so far, beating both South Africa and South Korea. Raul Jimenez gives them experience and a focal point up front, while Julian Quinones brings plenty of pace and direct running.
Czechia can hang around, but Mexico look the sharper side.
Prediction: Mexico to Win
Value: Mexico to Win and Under 3.5 Goals
Player Prop: Raul Jimenez Anytime Goalscorer
Czechia vs Mexico Prediction – Group A (Match 10)
Czechia steadied things slightly with a draw against South Africa last week, but they still look like a side searching for that extra bit of quality in the final third. They are organised enough to make this competitive, with Patrik Schick always a threat if given service, while Tomas Soucek gives them a real presence from midfield and set pieces.
Mexico, meanwhile, have been one of the more impressive sides so far, beating both South Africa and South Korea. Raul Jimenez gives them experience and a focal point up front, while Julian Quinones brings plenty of pace and direct running.
Czechia can hang around, but Mexico look the sharper side.
Prediction: Mexico to Win
Value: Mexico to Win and Under 3.5 Goals
Player Prop: Raul Jimenez Anytime Goalscorer