WORLD CUP PLAYOFF: We preview Friday’s game between SWEDEN v ITALY with a recommended BETDAQ bet.
SWEDEN V ITALY
7.45pm We have four wonderful World Cup Playoffs this week, however this is probably the best. Both these sides had tough groups, with Italy finishing second to Spain and Sweden finishing second to France – knocking out The Netherlands from another major tournament. Italy are favourites, with the match odds at the time of writing currently; Sweden 3.6, Italy 2.42 and the draw is 3.15.
It would be easy to suggest that Italy will play for a draw here, as many old Italian sides would have. But we feel that this one is different – they have some young and very attacking players. You only have to look at their recent away games to see that they have been scoring plenty of goals, and conceding more than Italian sides of old too. Five of their last six away games have seen over 2.5 goals – these first legs are sometimes cagey affairs but over 2.5 goals does look big at 2.68.
Sweden’s goal scoring record is impressive too. They scored 26 goals in their ten group games – which was more than group winners France scored, and we don’t have to go into the talent that France have up front. This could be a really tough night for Italy, and Sweden look a shade of value at 3.6 given the goals they have scored.
We’re going to take a chance here and back over 2.5 goals though at 2.68. As we noted, these first legs can be cagey, however both sides have excellent records in front of goal this qualifying campaign, and aren’t exactly bomb proof at the back either. Overs is priced as if neither side will attack and be happy with a cagey game, however the way these sides set up suggests the game won’t be like that. This could be the highlight of the Playoffs, and hopefully we get a great game!
BETDAQ BEST BET:
Over 2.5 goals at 2.68.
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