Tipster Wizard has picked out two top Bet Builder picks as Brazil face Japan in a crunch Round of 16 tie at the World Cup.
Bet Builder 1 - 1pt
Best odds of 21/20 at Skybet while publishing.
1st selection: Ao Tanaka 2+ Fouls Committed
Ao Tanaka has developed into one of Japan's most reliable players for committing fouls, averaging 1.85 fouls per 90 minutes across his last 20 international appearances. He was fortunate to escape a booking after committing four foulsagainst Sweden in the final group-stage match, with several of those coming from cynical challenges to halt dangerous counter-attacks.
Tonight presents another difficult assignment. Tanaka is expected to battle against a Brazil midfield featuring Bruno Guimarães, Casemiro and Lucas Paquetá, a trio that combines to draw 5.12 fouls per 90 minutes. With Vinícius Júnior also drifting into central areas throughout the game, Tanaka should have plenty of defensive work to do, making two or more fouls a strong angle.
2nd Selection: Ayase Ueda 1+ Fouls Won
Ayase Ueda has established himself as Japan's primary attacking outlet, and his excellent hold-up play consistently allows him to draw contact from defenders. He is averaging 2.44 fouls won per 90 minutes and has won at least one foul in each of his last 12 starts for Japan.
His consistency has also carried into this World Cup, where he has drawn 2, 2 and 1 fouls across Japan's three matches despite featuring as a substitute in one of them. Facing an aggressive Brazilian midfield containing Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães and Lucas Paquetá, Ueda's physical style and ability to shield the ball should once again see him draw at least one foul.
Bet Builder 2 - 0.25pts
Best odds of 5/1 at Skybet while publishing.
- Ao Tanaka 3+ Fouls Committed
- Ayase Ueda 2+ Fouls Won
Worth backing higher lines on both selections at an attractive price too.
