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
Australia vs Egypt Predictions – Round of 32 (Match 14)
Australia have already shown they’re comfortable doing things the hard way, and Tony Popovic’s side will likely lean on that same compact, disciplined setup against an Egypt team with more polish in the final third on Saturday morning.
As we’ve already seen, the Socceroos’ path to goal probably comes through moments rather than long spells of dominance, namely set pieces aimed at Harry Souttar, Jackson Irvine, and the pace or directness of Nestory Irankunda and Cristian Volpato on the break.
Egypt, meanwhile, have the more obvious match-winners. Mohamed Salah is the headline act if fit, but Omar Marmoush and Trezeguet give the Pharaohs multiple outlets in transition, with Egypt capable of sitting in, absorbing pressure, and springing quickly into space.
In terms of predictions, this sets up for a classic knockout grind as Australia look to slow the tempo and play physical football, while Egypt will be happy to wait for the game to open up.
All up, teh Socceroos can drag this game deep into the second half, and while we’d love to play the patriotic card and bet Australia to win, there’s no getting around Egypt’s class and quality on attack.
Prediction: Egypt to Win & Under 2.5 Goals @ $3.90
Value: First Team to Score – Australia @ $2.30
Player Pick: Mostafa Ziko Anytime Goalscorer @ $3.60
Argentina vs Cape Verde Predictions – Round of 32 (Match 15)
Argentina come into this as clear favourites, and with Lionel Messi still having things all his own way alongside the likes of Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez and Alexis Mac Allister, they should control most of the ball and dictate the tempo.
Cape Verde won’t be short on belief though, and they’ll likely look to stay compact, frustrate Argentina between the lines, and use the pace and power of players like Ryan Mendes and Garry Rodrigues on the counter.
The Blue Sharks are capable of making this awkward if they can keep their shape, but Argentina’s quality in the final third and ability to wear teams down should eventually tell.
Prediction: Argentina to Win & Under 3.5 Goals @ $2.70
Value: Both Teams to Score @ $2.88
Player Pick: Lautaro Martinez Anytime Goalscorer @ $1.75
Colombia vs Ghana Predictions – Round of 32 (Match 16)
Colombia vs Ghana Predictions – Round of 32 Colombia bring plenty of spark into this matchup, with Luis Diaz and James Rodriguez giving them real quality in the final third and the ability to stretch Ghana in wide areas.
Ghana, meanwhile, should be happy playing direct when the chance comes, using their pace to get in behind and test Colombia’s back line.
This shapes as a physical, end-to-end contest if Ghana can turn it into a transition game, but Colombia look the more balanced side and should create the cleaner chances.
Prediction: Colombia to Win & Over 3.5 Goals @ $4.40
Value: Correct Score – Colombia 3-1 @ $14
Player Pick: Ernest Nuamah to Score or Assist @ $6.20