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 16
Argentina vs Egypt Predictions – Round of 16 (Match 7)
Argentina are short odds to qualify for the semis despite a 3-2 scare in extra time against Cabo Verde last week.
Egypt also needed penalties to down Australia in dramatic fashion, setting the stage for a fascinating and memorable matchup between Lionel Messi and Mo Salah.
The latter will be the key to Egypt pulling off an upset, but given their dependency on brief moments of brilliance, rather than periods of dominance like Argentina, this still shapes as an uphill battle.
The other big concern for Egypt is their inability to keep a clean sheet. Up until the Cape Verde game, Argentina had allowed only one goal all tournament, and a return to that same kind of form would make this a long 90 minutes for Salah and company.
Prediction: Argentina to Win & Under 3.5 Goals @ $1.85
Value: Correct Score – Argentina 2-1 @ $9.25
Player Pick: Giovani Lo Celso Anytime Goalscorer @ $4.40
Switzerland vs Colombia Predictions – Round of 16 (Match 8)
Switzerland arrive at a similar hurdle, having been bounced in the Round of 16 in the last three World Cup’s. This time around, they’ll likely lean on their usual organisation, discipline, and midfield control to try and slow Colombia down.
Granit Xhaka gives the Swiss plenty of experience and structure in the middle of the park, while Breel Embolo offers a physical outlet up front if they need to go more direct or hold the ball up under pressure.
Colombia, meanwhile, bring more flair and attacking spark. Luis Diaz is the obvious danger man out wide, with James Rodriguez capable of finding pockets and picking the final pass if Switzerland allow him time on the ball.
This shapes as a tight tactical battle between Switzerland’s structure and Colombia’s creativity, and it may come down to which side can make the most of their moments in transition.
The Swiss are more than capable of dragging this deep, but Colombia’s pace and quality in the final third gives them a slight edge in World Cup betting on this match.
Prediction: Switzerland to Cover (+1 Goal) @ $1.62
Value: Switzerland to Win @ $2.30
Player Pick: Breel Embolo Anytime Goalscorer @ $3.25
