Verdict: Both teams to score – yes
Best Odds: 17/20
Bookmaker: 888sport
One of the most interesting groups in the 2018 FIFA World Cup has been Group H, where Colombia, Senegal and Japan are fighting for a spot in the Round of 16. Los Cafeteros and Senegal might eliminate each other, though. These two sides will meet on Thursday, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Whoever wins, will reach the knockout stages. Which team will come out on top? The game will be played on Thursday at 15:00 hrs (BST) at Samara Arena. Milorad Mazic will be the referee.
Senegal
Senegal enter this game on a comfortable position, as The Lions of Teranga have looked like the best team in Group H during the first two games. The African side kicked things off with a solid 2-1 win over Poland, and later came just minutes away from edging Japan but they only settled for a 2-2 draw. This result forces Senegal to sit quite close to a potential berth on the knockout stages, but they must take on a difficult Colombia that should arrive into this game with their morale at top following their recent victory against Poland. Senegal have enough weapons to complicate any team in the world, though. Their attacking line led by Sadio Mane and M’Baye Niang features pace to burn, and the defensive line – where Salif Sane and Kalidou Koulibaly stand out – is also quite interesting. Will they live up to the expectations and secure a spot in the next round?
Team News
Aliou Cisse’s men are expected to be at full strength ahead of this game.
M’Baye Niang left the game against Japan with a minor injury, but he should be ready to go in this one.
Colombia
Colombia started their 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign with a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Japan, although that was a very strange game since they spent almost the entire match with 10 men following a red card shown to Carlos Sanchez before the 5th minute mark. However, Los Cafeteros bounced back in a huge game in their second game. Goals from Yerry Mina, Radamel Falcao and Juan Guillermo Cuadrado were enough to lift the CONMEBOL side to a huge win. But Colombia are not done yet, and they have their backs against the wall in this one, too. They must win to secure a spot in the knockout stages, while a draw could also qualify them… but only if Japan lose to Poland by a substantial margin. Given that scenario, there is no question that Colombia will go out with a positive mindset. They must get the three points to clinch their goal. Will they achieve it?
Team News
Manager Jose Pekerman might have his side at full strength for this one, as talented midfielder Abel Aguilar is dealing with an injury and his inclusion will be decided just hours before kick-off time.
On the same note, Carlos Sanchez is expected to return after completing his one-game ban. He was sent off in the tournament opener against Japan.
Key Factors to Consider
- All four games of Group H have had over 2,5 goals scored thus far.
- Senegal have scored twice in each of their Group Stage games. Meanwhile, Colombia also netted at least once in both matches.
- Colombia need to win to secure a spot in the knockout stages. If they draw, they would require Poland to defeat Japan to secure a spot in the next round.
- Meanwhile, Senegal would require a draw to secure progression. A win would assure them the top spot unless Japan defeat Poland by a bigger margin than Senegal to Colombia.
- These two sides have met twice in the past. Colombia register one win (2-0, 2011) and one draw (2-2, 2014) over that span.
- Three of four games in this group so far have seen both teams score.
Conclusion
This will be an extremely intense game between two attacking-minded teams that need to win in order to secure a spot in the next round.
As it has been the trend during the past games in this group, we could be in line for a open contest. Therefore, I believe both teams will score at least once.
Verdict: Both teams to score – yes
Best Odds: 17/20
Bookmaker: 888sport
Leave a Reply