(repost from big thread for purposes of discussion - I will do this daily)
Monday Nov 21st
England / Iran – Under 2.25 -110 (1 unit) – I think Group B will be the group of low scores, and a lot of draws. Iran has a new manager as of just a couple of months ago, and are inconsistent. But are also much improved, and are no pushovers here. Scoring goals is always a problem – and their top goal scorer has a knock and it is unsure how much he will feature.
England are loaded, but also inconsistent – especially scoring goals when they need to. In the long run, it will be their defense and goalkeeping that let them down – but not in this one. Iran will sit back and play for a 0-0, and even if they get behind by a goal a 1-0 loss will suit them.
I see a boring, possession dominated game for England that they win comfortably, but Iran keeps it close. Typical get out of the gates first round game for England playing a side looking to see 90 minutes go by as quickly as possible. Predicted Final Score: England 1 Iran 0
Netherlands / Senegal – Netherlands -160 (1 unit win) – If this wasn’t a first round match… It would be a much bigger bet for me. The Dutch have to like the group they were drawn in to here. They have never been eliminated in the group stage of any WC, and have to feel like the chances are really good for them to get through here also.
The Dutch can score goals in bunches – and are on an incredible run of form – not losing since the Euros in the Summer of 21 when they were dominating the Czechs and then got a red card that flipped the match. I think the Netherlands has a great shot to go very deep here, and should cruise in the group.
Senegal will be without the best African player in the tournament for at least the first game – Sadio Mane. But as opposed to African teams of the past – the FIFA investment in Africa over the last several decades is paying dividends. This generation is not like the hopeful disorganized generations of the past – who would score goals but concede more.
Senegal has a squad of almost all European league top level players, and are a danger to make a run. Just not in this game – bad spot for them – Predicted Final Score: Netherlands 2-1
USA / Wales – Wales PK +102 (1 unit) - I am really not a fan of the USA chances to do anything in this tournament. This is a lineup that will have multiple MLS players – most importantly in defense. With all the hype here in the US – there still isn’t a single player on this squad who would make a France or Brazil squad (top 26) – and the level of competition is a big step up from CONCACAF. Tough days ahead for the US.
Wales are very similar in talent to the US – but I think this match will be a lot of US possession and a lot of Wales counterattack. Wales finds a way to get past the US defense – and there just isn’t enough creativity and offensive attack to unlock a very stubborn and tested Welsh defense. Predicted Final Score: Wales 1 USA 0
Covers....just get rid of losers like DialedCapper. They are a waste
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