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Will England finish top of Group G?
Will England finish top of Group G?

World Cup betting tips: Thursday's Group G preview including England v Belgium

Football
Thu June 28, 2018 · 6y ago

George Pitts looks over England's top-of-the-table clash with Belgium, plus a nice 2/1 tip from Panama v Tunisia...

Recommended World Cup bets

1pt Draw and BTTS in England v Belgium at 10/3

1pt Tunisia to win (-1 handicap) at 11/5

For details of advised bookmakers and each-way terms, our transparent tipping record

Scenario: England and Belgium will battle it out for group honours on Thursday after a 6-1 victory against Panama saw Gareth Southgate's men make it two wins from as many matches. With Belgium also winning their first two matches both teams are on six points and with identical records on goal difference and goals scored. A draw in the final group game would see the leaders decided by fair play rules - England lead on that criteria by virtue of two yellow cards to Belgium's three - or by drawing of lots.

Predictions:

  • England 1-1 Belgium
  • Panama 0-2 Tunisia

Group G table

England v Belgium (1900, ITV)

Harry Kane celebrates his second goal against Panama

The Group G finale will decide who finishes top and who ends the day at the bottom of the standings.

England are favourites to edge Roberto Martinez’s Belgium, but this could follow some of the other final group games in playing out an uninspiring draw.

With one of Poland, Colombia or Japan the opponents in their Round of 16 match next week, both sides will have no real desire in regards to whether they finish top or second.

Both managers have hinted at making mass changes to avoid potential injuries or suspensions to key players, as well as giving fringe players minutes on the pitch. Therefore, it is incredibly difficult to look past the various draw options available in the betting market.

The two sides will probably show a lot of respect to one another and, with many of the Red Devils stars plying their trade in England, this could be played out like a cagey Premier League clash.

A draw is a general price of 21/10, with best available at 11/5, but it is recommended boosting it to 10/3 by adding BTTS to the draw coupon.

We expect this to be a tight affair, so a score draw looks most appealing.

Prediction: England 1-1 Belgium

Best bet: Draw and BTTS at 10/3

Panama v Tunisia (1900, ITV4)

Felipe Baloy (centre) celebrates his goal for Panama v England

The battle for third takes place at the Mordovia Arena with Tunisia odds-on favourites.

They showed more quality against England and Belgium than Panama and should quite comfortably get the victory to bow out of the tournament.

In terms of value betting, Tunisia to win with a -1 goal handicap looks an excellent price.

Panama have conceded nine goals in Russia, netting just once, and Tunisia showed some fight by scoring three against the defensive units of England and Belgium.

As an alternative, it is worth looking at the RequestABets available to get value from this tie, such as 1+ corners each team in each half and 10+ booking points each team, which is 5/4 with Sky Bet.

Prediction: Panama 0-3 Tunisia

Best bet: Tunisia to win (-1 handicap) at 2/1

Click the image below to read Sporting Life's betting tips for Thursday's Group H action, as Japan take on Poland and Senegal v Colombia...

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Odds correct at 1300 BST on 27/06/18

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