World Cup Group E

Our expert panel on the oddschecker World Cup Betting Show agreed that Germany and Spain are rightfully strong favourites to qualify from Group E, but the latter look more vulnerable to the threat of third favourites Japan. Costa Rica are the group's big outsiders at best price 15/1 to qualify.

 

Steven McInerney said: “It's hard to see past Spain and Germany, but Japan do have quality. They're a conservative side but one with quality - Mitoma looks good, Tomiyasu at Arsenal. I still think Spain are a little light up front, Morata leads the line well but he's not a killer in front of goal.”

Raj Chohan added: “I do think Spain are more vulnerable than Germany. Their forwards aren't in as good form as their German counterparts - Sane, Gnabry, Musiala are all hitting their stride recently and even Kai Havertz in the last international break scored two against England.”

 

Meanwhile, football betting analyst Mark O’Haire said: “Both are probably a year or two away, not from peaking, but from being challengers to go the distance. I've got such trust in the two coaches, Luis Enrique and Hansi Flick, so I expect both to come through.”

O’Haire later reaffirmed his support for the Germans with a value pick for Group E. “I like Germany to score the most goals in this group at 21/20 because of their forward-thinking attitude. Spain are brilliant between both boxes, but Garcia at centre-back is a weakness.”