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!
Round Of 32
Brazil vs Japan Predictions – Round of 32 (Match 2)
Brazil carry a stack of momentum into the knockout stage after successive 3-0 victories against Haiti and Scotland over the last week.
An opening 1-1 draw with Morocco feels like a distant memory now for Carlo Ancelotti’s squad, although Brazil’s new manager will be stressing the importance of not underestimating a dangerous Japan outfit that finished second in Group F with a victory and two draws to their name.
While the two sides have never met in a game of this magnitude, the Japanese will take some confidence away from their 3-2 friendly win last October, although it has to be said that Japan is yet to win a knockout game at the World Cup.
It’s also safe to assume we may not see quite as many goals on this occasion with Japan struggling for possession in their latest game against Sweden, plus the fact Brazil was starting most of their B-side in that previously mentioned friendly.
All up, the Samurai Blue a decent chance at keeping this one interesting, but it feels as though the Selecao are really starting to click the deeper they progress.
Prediction: Brazil to Win & Under 3.5 Goals @ $2.25
Value: Both Teams to Score @ $2.00
Player Pick: Matheus Cunha Anytime Goalscorer @ $2.90
Germany vs Paraguay Predictions – Round of 32 (Match 3)
Germany head into the knockout round as heavy favourites against Paraguay, although some may argue Julian Nagelsmann’s side is a little too short in the market after suffering a shock 2-1 loss to Ecuador last Friday.
Paraguay, meanwhile, entered this year’s World Cup as a serious dark horse, and they have only somewhat proven themselves with a 1-0 win over Turkiye prior to last week’s scoreless draw against Australia.
At the same time, the Germans have only beaten up on lesser opponents so far, annihilating Curacao 7-1, before taking care of the Ivory Coast 2-1 in their second game.
In some ways, this could loom as a game for Germany to really switch into gear and make a statement, but Paraguay will be happy to sit back and setup behind the ball, much like they did against the Socceroos.
Unfortunately for Paraguay fans, Germany possesses much more attacking quality in the final third, and if they manage to dominate possession and stay out of foul trouble – which cost them against Ecuador at times – they should be winning this game quite well.
Prediction: Germany to Cover (-1 Goal) @ $1.85
Value: Over 3.5 Goals @ $3.70
Player Pick: Deniz Undav 2+ Shots on Target @ $1.62
Netherlands vs Morocco Predictions – Round of 32 (Match 4)
The Netherlands are warm favourites ahead of Tuesday’s final game, which comes as no real shock after responding to their opening draw with Japan. with a pair of wins over Tunisia and Sweden.
Morocco were another side fancied for a deep run in the tournament and the Atlas Lions arrive with some level of confidence after shutting out Scotland 1-0 last week.
On paper though, the Netherlands have more attacking weapons, which is exactly what the Scottish lacked. At the same time, Morocco boasts a draw against Brazil the game prior, highlighted by a brilliant defensive half of football that really troubled the heavyweights.
Overall, this is a game that could go either way, and it may boil down to discipline and who can slow the game down. Morocco are a great price as outsiders, but there’s also value at the line for them to at least keep this close.
Prediction: Morocco to Cover (+1 Goal) @ $1.65
Value: Morocco to Win @ $2.60
Player Pick: Ismael Saibari Anytime Goalscorer @ $3.60