Mark Stinchcombe's Betting Tips for Wednesday's World Cup

Under 2.5 Goals (1pt)

This has all the hallmarks of another England game where they struggle to breakdown the opposition. Despite England being 2/11 against Panama and 2/9 against Ghana, they only managed 2-0 and 0-0 results respectively, with the deadlock versus Panama not broken until the 62nd minute.

In that game England only created 1.56 expected goals and versus Ghana just 1.36. DR Congo have been excellent defensively, only conceding three goals so far despite facing both Portugal and Colombia. They have the fifth best xG against in the entire tournament, conceding just 1.80. England meanwhile have the second best with just 1.50. So it looks like it will be a long and cagey game of attack v defence and Under 2.5 goals looks the logical bet at 17/20.

England have injury issues at right-back with Reece James once again doubtful. He picked up six assists for Chelsea last season where as likely replacement Djed Spence managed none and spent most of the season at left-back. Against low blocks, it’s crucial full-backs can offer an overlap option for potential cut-backs but that is not in the makeup of both England’s left and right-backs, further adding to the likelihood of a low-scoring game.

Recommended bet: Under 2.5 goals @ 5/6

BTTS - Yes (1pt)

Belgium have massively overwhelmed at the World Cup. Draws against Iran and Egypt before victory in the last game over a poor New Zealand to somehow win the group. So there is no way they can be backed here at 6/5. Draws against Kazakhstan and North Macedonia (twice) in qualifying as well as defeats to all of Israel, Ukraine and Italy in the Nations League do not inspire.

Romelu Lukaku is only half-fit so there is an issue in the striker position when he isn’t playing. Defensively they are vulnerable, having only kept six clean sheets in their last 20 competitive games. Senegal have also only won one game, having conceded five goals against France and Norway but crucially they have goals in them having scored eight. Given 25 teams have a better expected goals against figure than Senegal’s, both attacks should get chances with Both Teams to Score a standout bet at 10/11.

Recommended bet: Both teams to score @ 4/5

Bosnia - Over 15.5 Fouls Committed (1pt)

With USA just 2/5 to win here, it represents a great chance of making the round of 16. However, it might not be easy against a Bosnia side who are happy to sit in a low block and make things tough. Bosnia have already held fellow co-hosts Canada in their own country and that’s hot off the back of knocking out Italy in the playoffs. They also knocked out Wales, held Austria to a draw in Austria and beat Romania home and away. Their solid defence is their hallmark whilst opposition need to be aware of their exciting, dynamic widemen in 21 year-old Esmir Bajraktarevic and 18 year-old Kerim Alajbegovic.

Having said all of that, they still have no problem using some darks arts to break up the oppositions play. They have committed the third most fouls at the World Cup with 15.7 per-game and in European qualifying committed the most with a whopping 177 in their 10 games at 17.7 per-game. This looks the perfect match-up for backing Bosnia fouls with the USA the second most fouled team in the competition, drawing 15.5 per-game.

Recommended bet: Bosnia Over 15.5 fouls @ Evs