2018 World Cup Betting Preview: Day 3.

2018 World Cup Betting Preview: Day 3

Written by on June 15, 2018

Soccer Betting News
The action really picks up on Day 3 of the World Cup, with no less than 4 games set to go. It will be Matchday 1 for Group C and Group D, and we will see some of the bigger names in the tournament take to the field for the first time. We are going to take a quick look at all 4 games, making some predictions, including the best bet for each game. Be sure to check MyBookie Sportsbook Soccer News page on a daily basis for more analysis, previews, and predictions.

2018 World Cup Betting Preview: Day 3

France vs. Australia

If you are in the EST, it will be an early rise on Saturday morning, with France and Australia going head to head at 6 AM. The French are the overwhelming favorites to win this one, but there is perhaps a reason to be nervous here. France has made a habit of playing down to the level of the opposition, which is what happened to them a couple of times in the qualifying stage. Still, they should be too much for the Aussies to handle, and things could get ugly if France gets one early. The bet I like here is France -1 ½.

Possible Line-Ups

France
  • 1-H. Lloris
  • 19-D. Sidibé
  • 4-R. Varane
  • 5-S. Umtiti
  • 22-B. Mendy
  • 14-B. Matuidi
  • 6-P. Pogba
  • 13-N. Kanté
  • 9-O. Giroud
  • 7-A. Griezmann
  • 10-K. Mbappé
Australia 
  • 1-M. Ryan
  • 16-A. Behich
  • 20-T. Sainsbury
  • 19-J. Risdon
  • 5-M. Milligan
  • 7-M. Leckie
  • 13-A. Mooy
  • 21-M. Luongo
  • 23-T. Rogić
  • 11-A. Nabbout
  • 10-R. Kruse
Score: France 4 – Australia 1

Argentina vs. Iceland

The game between Argentina and Iceland will be on live at 9 AM EST, and it will be our first look at Lionel Messi. Argentina was not particularly convincing in qualification and are going to be in tough against an Iceland side that stunned a lot of people with their run at the 2016 European Championships. Iceland has some serious injury issues in the middle of their defense, which could be an issue here. That said, Argentina is a little sloppy at the back, which is why I think goals are coming here. My play in this one is OVER 2 ½.

Possible Line-Ups

Argentina
  • 23-W. Caballero
  • 14-J. Mascherano
  • 6-F. Fazio
  • 17-N. Otamendi
  • 3-N. Tagliafico
  • 11-Á. Di María
  • 18-E. Salvio
  • 15-M. Lanzini
  • 20-G. Lo Celso
  • 10-L. Messi
  • 9-G. Higuaín
Iceland
  • 1-H. Halldórsson
  • 6-R. Sigurðsson
  • 23-A. Skúlason
  • 15-H. Eyjólfsson
  • 8-B. Bjarnason
  • 14-K. Árnason
  • 20-E. Hallfreðsson
  • 7-J. Guðmunds­son
  • 10-G. Sigurðsson
  • 9-B. Sigurðarson
  • 11-A. Finnbogason
Score: Argentina 3 – Iceland 2

Peru vs. Denmark

With France, the big favorites to run away with Group C, the battle in this group is for second place. Both Peru and Denmark will both feel that they have a shot at landing in that spot, which makes this game incredibly important for both teams. Peru is ranked #10 in the world, while Denmark is at #11, so it is very little between them. Peru comes in as slight 2018 World Cup Betting underdogs against Denmark. They both appear to have the same strengths and weaknesses, with an inability to score goals on a regular basis being high on the list of the latter for both. With that in mind, the UNDER 2 ½ is the bet here, and I also like the draw at +224.

Possible Line-Ups

Peru
  • 1-P. Gallese
  • 2-A. Rodríguez
  • 15-C. Ramos
  • 17-L. Advíncula
  • 6-M. Trauco
  • 19-Y. Yotún
  • 8-C. Cueva
  • 13-R. Tapia
  • 9-P. Guerrero
  • 10-J. Farfán
  • 18-A. Carrillo
Denmark
  • 1-K. Schmeichel
  • 4-S. Kjær
  • 14-H. Dalsgaard
  • 17-J. Larsen
  • 6-A. Christensen
  • 7-W. Kvist
  • 8-T. Delaney
  • 10-C. Eriksen
  • 9-N. Jørgensen
  • 20-Y. Poulsen
  • 23-P. Sisto
Score: Peru 0 – Denmark 0

Croatia vs. Nigeria

The final game of Day 3 will once again take us to Group D for a game that is going to be an interesting one to watch. Croatia are a team blesses with talent at every position, yet there always seems to be some sort of drama, either on the field or off, that hampers the potential success of this team. They will not have an easy time against a Nigerian squad that is a nice blend of experience and youth. I think we are going to see a tightly fought game here, which is why I think the UNDER 2 ½ is the best bet here.

Possible Line-Ups

Croatia
  • 23-D. Subašić
  • 5-V. Ćorluka
  • 21-D. Vida
  • 3-I. Strinić
  • 6-D. Lovren
  • 10-L. Modrić
  • 7-I. Rakitić
  • 4-I. Perišić
  • 19-M. Badelj
  • 17-M. Mandžukić
  • 18-A. Rebić
Nigeria
  • 23-F. Uzoho
  • 6-L. Balogun
  • 5-W. Troost-Ekong
  • 2-B. Idowu
  • 12-A. Shehu
  • 10-J. Obi Mikel
  • 11-V. Moses
  • 19-J. Ogu
  • 18-A. Iwobi
  • 13-W. Ndidi
  • 9-O. Ighalo
Score: Croatia 1 – Nigeria 0

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