Fear not footy fans. The domestic seasons may be in recess but there is plenty to keep us entertained, with World Cup qualifiers on the go, and next up it’s the Confederations Cup in Russia.
It all starts off on Saturday when the hosts take on rank outsiders New Zealand and then we can look forward to more mouth-watering football games featuring world stars including the great Cristiano Ronaldo, and the almost as great Alexis Sanchez!
So let’s kick off by taking a look at the opening fixtures with Asian Handicap Betting.
Russia vs New Zealand (June 17, 23:00 GMT+8)
Each team in the Confederations Cup is a winner in its own part of the world and New Zealand holds the OFC Nations Cup. The All Whites have just lost two friendlies to modest opposition in Northern Ireland and Belarus. However, opening matches of any tournament are cagey and home expectation may weigh heavily on the hosts. Russia’s main objective is to see how they can cope in this prelude to next year’s World Cup and while they should win, they will not find it easy.
For my first pick, I’m going for a first half stalemate at 2.38 in a 🌟🌟 bet.
Portugal vs Mexico (June 18, 23:00 GMT+8)
The tie of the opening round could see a reunion of two Manchester United old boys. The Beautiful One, Cristiano, is likely to be leading Portugal’s attack while Chicharito is in great shape after a super season at Bayer Leverkusen. Both teams are in form with six and five wins from the last seven, respectively. Portugal have won the only two previous meetings giving Mexico a nice incentive and I can see goals in this.
My second 🌟🌟 bet is Over 2.25 goals at odds of 2.06.
Cameroon vs Chile (June 19, 02:00 GMT+8)
The next game could see Alexis Sanchez take a bow for an impressive Chile side, which may also feature Bayern’s hard man Arturo Vidal. Nineteen years have passed since these two last met, playing out a 1-1 draw in the 1998 World Cup finals. Both teams have developed a recent habit of winning, Chile against stronger opposition, but an athletic Cameroon team could frustrate.
I’m going for Cameroon or Draw at 1.97 for another 🌟🌟 bet.
Australia vs Germany (June 19, 23:00 GMT+8)
The first round of fixtures closes on Monday when the world champions take on Australia. Germany coach Joachim Low has given the captain’s armband to 23 year old Julian Draxler and is handing his younger players a chance to shine. In contrast, 37-year-old former Everton star Tim Cahill could earn his 100th cap for the Aussies in this tournament. There’s no ageism in Oz!
I think the Germans may be quicker off the mark though and so, for a 🌟🌟🌟 bet, I’m picking Germany to be ahead at the break which will pay 1.93.
For the latest sports update, promotions and betting picks with SBOBET get social with our official Twitter, Google+, YouTube and Facebook accounts. Visit SBOBET and join us now. Start placing your bets today!
A short explanation on how our (🌟) bets are worth:
🌟🌟🌟 = £20
🌟🌟 = £10
🌟 = £5
Head over to the bet picks section and see how our writers perform in their predicted bets.
Click for more football betting options.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.