EV Eagle has picked out four standout betting angles for Monday's Round of 16 games feat. Bruno Fernandes.
In Monday's World Cup action, the standout tie of the Round of 16 sees Iberian rivals Spain and Portugal renew their rivalry with a place in the quarter-finals at stake. Spain have been the tournament's most defensively solid side, while Portugal possess match-winners such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, setting up a fascinating contest between two genuine title contenders.
The USA take on Belgium in a meeting of two sides packed with pace and attacking quality. The Americans have impressed on home soil with energetic performances, but Belgium's experience and firepower ensure this promises to be an evenly matched knockout clash.
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TIP 1: Bruno Fernandes - Over 0.5 Shots On Target - 1pt
Best odds of 23/20 at Virgin Bet while writing.
Bruno Fernandes continues to be Portugal's creative heartbeat, but he is also posing a growing goal threat. The Manchester United midfielder has recorded at least one shot on target in each of his last three appearances, while his World Cup shots-on-target numbers read 1, 1, 1 and 0.
Looking further back, his totals across his last seven starts for Portugal stand at 1, 1, 1, 0, 4, 1 and 1, highlighting just how consistently he tests opposition goalkeepers. Whether shooting from distance or arriving late into the box, Fernandes looks well placed to register another effort on target.
TIP 2: Mikel Oyarzabal - Anytime Goalscorer - 1pt
Best odds of 29/20 at Sporting Index while writing.
Mikel Oyarzabal heads into Spain's Round of 16 clash in outstanding goalscoring form and looks a strong candidate to add to his tally. The Real Sociedad forward has scored in seven of his last 10 competitive appearances for Spain and has produced a remarkable 10 goals in his last eight starts for the national team.
He has also been Spain's standout attacking player at this World Cup, already finding the net four times. Oyarzabal is not just finishing chances but consistently getting into dangerous positions, as reflected by his shots-on-target numbers of 4, 0, 3 and 1 during the tournament. With Spain expected to create plenty of opportunities, backing their in-form striker to score anytime makes plenty of appeal.
TIP 3: Nuno Mendes - Over 0.5 Shots - 1pt
Best odds of 23/20 at Coral while publishing.
Nuno Mendes has become an increasingly important attacking outlet for Portugal from left-back, making over 0.5 shots an attractive selection. He has cleared this line in three of his last four World Cup appearances, while his shot totals across his last eight starts for Portugal read 1, 0, 1, 0, 0, 1, 2 and 2. Mendes' willingness to overlap, attack the edge of the box and get involved in set-piece situations regularly puts him in shooting positions, and another effort on goal looks well within reach.
TIP 4: Kevin De Bruyne - Over 2.5 Shots - 1pt
Best odds of EVENS at bet365 while publishing.
Kevin De Bruyne has taken on far greater attacking responsibility for Belgium at this World Cup and his shot numbers reflect that change. He has exceeded 2.5 shots in six of his last seven appearances, with World Cup shot totals of 2, 7, 5 and 4. His longer-term record is equally impressive, with his last 10 competitive matches producing shot counts of 2, 7, 5, 4, 4, 3, 7, 2, 5 and 2. Given Belgium's reliance on De Bruyne to create and finish chances from central areas, another high-volume shooting performance looks likely.
TIP 5: Jeremy Doku – Over 2.5 Fouls Won - 1pt
Best odds of 5/4 at bet365 while publishing.
Jeremy Doku's direct running and exceptional dribbling ability make him one of the most fouled players in international football. The Belgian winger has won over 2.5 fouls in six of his last eight starts for his country and continues to draw defenders into rash challenges whenever he isolates them one-on-one. His World Cup fouls-won numbers read 4, 1 and 5, while he averages 3.0 fouls won per start across his last 10 appearances for Belgium. Against a USA side that will need to contain his pace and trickery, Doku looks well positioned to draw multiple fouls once again.
