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
Curacao vs Ivory Coast Predictions – Group E (Match 9)
Ivory Coast have shown enough across their first two games to suggest they should have the edge here, first grinding out a strong 1-0 win over Ecuador before falling 2-1 to Germany in a game where they were far from disgraced.
They have looked organised, physical, and dangerous when they can get forward, with plenty of pace in wide areas and enough quality through the middle to control this matchup. T
he key now is turning those good moments into a more complete performance, because this feels like a spot where they can bounce back and keep their tournament hopes in good shape.
Prediction: Ivory Coast to Win & Over 2.5 Goals @ $1.60
Value: Ivory Coast to Cover (-2.5 Goals) @ $2.20
Player Pick: Franck Kessie Anytime Goalscorer @ $3.30
Ecuador vs Germany Predictions – Group E (Match 10)
The pressure is firmly on Ecuador in the crucial Group E matchup.
La Tricolor have seriously underperformed after many had them down as a World Cup smokie, suffering a shock 1-0 opening loss to the Ivory Coast, prior to last week’s less-than encouraging scoreless draw with newcomers Curacao.
We’ve seen the best of both worlds when it comes to Germany. A breathtaking 7-1 demolition job of Curacao in their opening game put the rest of the world on notice, but there were some concerns defensively when Julian Nagelsmann’s side was forced to mount a comeback from an early deficit in last week’s 2-1 win over the Ivory Coast.
Nevertheless, the Germans are in firm control atop the group and will be looking to lockdown defensively. Against an Ecuador attack that has left a lot to be desired, this figures to be a low-scoring Germany win.
Prediction: Germany to Win & Under 3.5 Goals @ $2.60
Value: Germany to Win to Nil @ $3.00
Player Pick: Kai Havertz Anytime Goalscorer @ $2.40
Japan vs Sweden Predictions – Group F (Match 9)
Hands down game of the day with second place in the group up for grabs.
Japan became the first Asian side to score four goals in a game at the World Cup when they shutout Tunisia 4-0 last weekend, while Sweden is hoping to regroup after being handed a dose of reality in a 5-1 defeat to the Netherlands.
For the Samurai Blue, there’s a chance they top Group F if they can put up more goals than the Netherlands, and there’s every reason to believe with Japan riding a nine-game unbeaten streak.
Sweden made their mark in a similar demolition job of Tunisia in their opener, but they have little experience playing some of the top Asian sides on the big stage.
With some queries defensively and the chance of a few personnel changes down back, Japan looks the safer bet to build on what they accomplished on Matchday 2 and really put the pressure on the Netherlands.
Prediction: Japan to Win @ $1.85
Value: Japan to Win & Over 2.5 Goals @ $2.63
Player Pick: Daichi Kamada Anytime Goalscorer @ $5
Turkiye vs USA Predictions – Group D (Match 9)
Already eliminated, Turkiye have been one of the biggest disappointments of this year’s tournament and it isn’t about to get any easier against a red-hot American side in Los Angeles.
The USA were methodical and perhaps a little scary in the first half against Australia last Saturday, showing some lightning pace on the wings to really put the pressure on the Socceroos early.
Whether you believe the Socceroos improved in the second half, or the USA put the cue in the rack is totally up to interpretation, but in front of what should be another raucous crowd, this is an enormous task for a Turkey side yet to register a single goal.
The added threat of Christian Pulisic lacing up the boots swings this game further in the USA’s favour, and given their composure and ability to dominate possession in both games so far, this shapes as a long afternoon for the visitors.
Prediciton: USA to Win @ $1.95
Value: USA to Cover (-1 Goal) @ $3.30
Player Pick: Giovanni Reyna Anytime Goalscorer @ $3.40
Paraguay vs Australia Predictions – Group D (Match 10)
Last Saturday’s disappointing showing against the USA has Socceroos fans feeling slightly nervous heading into Friday’s game as slight outsiders against Paraguay.
The Aussies failed to turn up in the first half against the Americans, lacking some speed out wide and struggling to find any kind of composure in a difficult environment.
Some ill-discipline alongside Tony Popovic’s controversial personnel changes were the main taking points, but after showing so much promise in the opener against Turkey, there’s every reason to believe the Aussies can right the ship.
At the same time, Paraguay has just as much to play for with the second spot in Group D all but decided.
Ironically, they are built in the same gritty, defensive-first format as the Socceroos, happy to sit back and allow their opposition possession and look to counter.
How the pair stack up with similar styles remains to be seen, but with plenty on the line, both are a good chance at finding the back of the net.
Prediction: Both Teams to Score @ $2.10
Value: Australia to Win @ $3.90
Player Pick: Nestory Irankunda Anytime Goalscorer @ $4.00