Brazil’s shock exit from the tournament has opened the door for the rest of the teams in the competition, most significantly Argentina who have avoided a clash with their old adversaries.
It’s Croatia who stand in the way of Lionel Messi and a place in the final after the magic man helped Argentina past the Netherlands in a nailbiter.
With the pre-tournament favourites on their way back home both France and England have moved up the pecking order and the victors of tonight’s clash in Al Khor will be hotly fancied to pick up the trophy next Sunday.
France are vying to become the third team to retain the trophy, whilst no-one needs reminding that England are aiming to add a second title to their win in ’66.
The English are quietly confident and plenty of punters will be getting stuck in to the 9/2 on the outright market and having a bit of the 2/1 on them overcoming the French tonight.
And why not? They’ve arguably been one of the most impressive nations so far. Naysayers will say they’ve not played anyone yet but you can only beat what’s in front of you. Tonight however, is the acid test for Gareth Southgates squad.
France cruised past Poland in the last round and but for a defeat, with a much-changed side, to Tunisia they’ve looked in good shape. That loss to the North Africans might have been a timely reminder for Didier Deschamps’ men and sharpened the minds a little.
In Kylian Mbappe, France have the heir to Messi’s crown and he seems to be re-writing the World Cup history books with every match. He’s a real game-changer and the outcome of the match could hinge on how well the Three lions cope with the 23-year-old. The PSG man is 2/1 to score anytime, as is England’s Harry Kane who has had a quiet World Cup by his standards.
There doesn’t appear to be much between the sides and it could be long night in prospect. It could take more than 90 minutes to separate the sides as both will be as keen not to lose as they are to win.
That makes our old favourite of a draw at half-time an attractive proposition at 21/20 as is the 5/6 on there being no goal before the 31st minute.
The 90-minute draw pays 9/4 and it’s 9/2 that we go the full distance and the winner be decided in a penalty shoot-out. An England shoot-out win is 9/1, as is penalty heartache.
Morocco have been the surprise package of the tournament so far, becoming only the third African nation to reach the quarter-finals. Their success has been built on solid defensive foundations which has seen them concede just one goal, an own goal against Canada.
Tonight they must put the shackles on a Portugal side that racked up six goals in a stunning victory over Switzerland in last-16. 21-year-old Gonçalo Ramos grabbed a brilliant hat-trick but it was the ommission of Cristiano Ronaldo from the starting XI that grabbed the headlines.
All eyes will be on the team news once more to see if Fernando Santos benches the Portuguese legend once more. Despite disposing of Spain in the last round the Atlas Lions are still classed as big outsiders. They’re as big as 5/1 in places to win inside the 90 minutes but their best bet could be to try to stifle Portugal and force extra-time and pens once more.
To reach the semi-finals it’s 12/5 for Morocco and just 1/3 for Portugal.
Best bet could be to back the Moroccans on the Double Chance market where it’s 11/10 on them not to lose inside 90 mins.
In England the Championship makes it’s return this weekend and EFL expert The Betting Desk has penned his best bets in the English lower leagues.
Super Single
- England v France – No Goals Before 31:00 5/6 Bet365
- England v France to be decided by penalties 9/2 Bet365
- Morocco or Draw 11/10 Bet365
Upcoming Match Previews & Tip
- EFL Tips: Cambridge vs Plymouth, MK Dons vs Fleetwood and Harrogate vs Northampton
- Football Bet of the Day: Portugal to edge past Morocco
- Sat 12:00 Blackburn Rovers vs Preston North End
- Sat 15:00 Morocco vs Portugal
- Sat 19:00 England vs France
- Sun 13:00 QPR vs Burnley
Racing Tips
Saturday sees Cheltenham return for day 2 of their December meeting. Rizzel has two fancies at the home of jumps racing, as well as three more at Doncaster.
As always, let us know your best betting tips and predictions for today in the comments section below and good luck with all your bets!
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