World Cup round of 16 betting guide and tips

England ML vs. Senegal (-190)

I wanted to highlight this round of 16 matchup during this article because it features the most Chelsea players. I count at least four who will likely play a significant role in the tie: Mason Mount and Raheem Sterling for England, Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy for Senegal. The Blues’ Englishmen could find themselves out of Gareth Southgate’s first XI following tremendous individual performances by Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford in the Three Lions’ final group stage outing, but I imagine we’ll see cameos from both Mase and Raz at some point during the clash.

Especially if Foden is named in the starting lineup, I like England’s chances to advance without the need for extra time or penalty kicks. The City starlet brings a different dynamism to the English attack, linking play smoothly between the double-pivot of Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane in the No.9 role. Foden’s relentless energy, much like Mount’s, is also critical in the Three Lions’ desire to dominate possession in every game they play. They’ve controlled the ball in 66.1 per cent of their matches, which is third best at the World Cup behind only Spain and Argentina. I predict they’ll exercise the same tactics against Senegal.

If the Senegalese are to push for the upset, they’ll have to be content with sitting deep and defending for most of the contest, similar to what the United States did during its 0-0 draw with the Three Lions on matchday two. By luring the English back line further up the pitch, the Lions of Teranga can create a ton of room to send through balls behind the defense for their forwards to chase. Watford’s Ismaila Sarr is the key man to watch in these scenarios, as his combination of pace and technical ability will inevitably cause problems for England’s defenders. Closing off these passing outlets and suffocating Senegal’s attack will be vital for the Three Lions’ chances at advancing to the quarterfinals for the third consecutive major tournament.

I’m expecting a professional victory from Southgate and his men, who have so far looked like one of the top teams in Qatar. Given the English moneyline victory currently sits at -190 odds, it’s clear that our friends at FanDuel are thinking similarly.