By Laurence Heffernan
Morocco v Portugal
15:00 BST, Saturday
TV Channel: ITV
Odds: Morocco 19/4, Draw 13/5, Portugal 4/6
Under 2.5 goals, Hakimi to be carded and 6+ Portugal corners 13.0
Morocco are making history becoming the first Arab nation to make it to a world cup quarter finals & just the fourth African team to do so. They bucked the scoring trend in the highest scoring World Cup last 16, keeping Spain at bay for a heroic 0-0 draw and win on penalties.
Regragui has brought the Moroccon team back together and made them a resolute defensive unit. This is bolstered by Boufal & Ziyech’s skill on the ball that prevents Morocco being constantly under pressure against more experienced teams. This has seen Morocco concede just once in their last 8 matches. Because of this I am backing under 2.5 goals in this match (BinkBet 1.65)
Dropping Ronaldo and allowing Hat trick hero Ramos to shine has made Portugal look like a more dynamic unit. With Portugal’s attacking talents working interchangeably their attacking unit will test the strong Moroccan defence. Portugal have averaged 6 corners in the world cup so far. With Ramos up against Hakimi, who has the joint most tackles (11) I expect this trend to continue. Portugal -3 on corners(1.85) and Hakimi to be booked (4.75)
England v France
19:00 BST, Saturday
TV Channel: ITV
England 2/1, Draw 9/4, France 7/5
Both teams to score and Rabiot to be booked 11.7
Southgate’s men are looking to bring it home for Christmas and they face their toughest tournament opponent yet, World Cup favourites, France. There will be a wealth of attacking talents on display in this match, so I fully expect both teams to score. England top the scoring charts of the world cup so far, with the French in third place, but with Mpabbe’s 5 goals putting him top of the individual charts. Both teams to score is 1.8 on BinkBet.
One place England may dominate is in midfield, with Rice, Henderson & particularly Bellingham having too much for the French. With Bellingham breaking the lines and playing in behind Rabiot I can see the Frenchmen getting in trouble with the referee. France have been in control in the majority of matches this tournament, but Rabiot has still managed to pick up 4 fouls in 4 matches and make 10 tackles. Rabiot to be carded is 6.5 on Binkbet.
England are the only team to not receive a yellow card in this World Cup, if you expect Southgate's men to carry on their clean record you can get England under 1.5 card for 1.76.
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