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The build-up to the World Cup has been something of a slow-burn this time around. Perhaps it is the dampened expectations around the England team, or, maybe, the fact that it is in Russia and the Western media is not given as much access to the preparations as one would normally expect.
Regardless, we passed the 100 days to the Finals mark a couple of weeks ago and, slowly but surely, excitement is starting to build for the big kick-off on 14th June. Bookies, of course, have been providing odds on the 2018 Finals from the moment the final whistle went in the Maracanã in July 2014.
Below is a guide to some early bets for the World Cup, which – in this writer’s humble opinion – offer standout value for the tournament. If you want to get maximum bang for your buck, check out the latest Bet365 sign up offer to get some free bets for the Finals.
Rashford to be England’s top scorer 12/1
Before anyone cries out that Rashford is an unlikely starter, it should be remembered that getting a couple of goals off the bench might be more than enough to secure top scorer for England. The Three Lions scored just two goals in total in Brazil 2014 and three in South Africa 2010. Rashford is the perfect impact sub and he may even force his way into the starting line-up. He loves the big occasion too. Harry Kane is available at 11/10, but can you really see any value in that?
Russia not to qualify from Group A 5/2
On paper, hosts Russia look like they have been given a decent draw for the Finals. They are joined in Group A by Uruguay, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. However, this is one of the poorest Russian sides in recent years. They will need to get off to a good start against Saudi Arabia in the opening game, but such occasions often find the hosts looking nervous. Uruguay are good shouts to top the group, but they may be joined by Mo Salah’s Egypt.
Argentina to be the top South American side at the Finals 15/8
This is more or less a straight shootout between Brazil and Argentina here, with the former available at evens. Argentina struggled in qualifying, at one point looking in danger of not making it to Russia at all. However, things have improved under Jorge Sampaoli. They are on the better side of the draw than Brazil (should they both win the groups) and could easily go further than their South American rivals. They have the little fella, Messi, too.
Romelu Lukaku to win the Golden Boot 25/1
Lukaku divides opinion in the Premier League, but his goal scoring record, especially at international level (at 24-years-old, he is already Belgium’s all-time leading scorer), speaks for itself. Belgium set up perfectly to complement the big man’s talents and his level of fitness is extraordinary, so he should have no problems with fatigue. They will go deep in this tournament, possibly thanks to the goals of the Manchester United man.
Spain to win the World Cup 15/2
Most people will be plumping for Germany and Brazil at around 5/1 to win the World Cup, but Spain might just offer the best value at the tournament. They are a different side to the tiki-taka team of years ago, more efficient in their approach and much stronger at the back. In a way, they have mimicked the transition in style of Barcelona. It will take a very good side to beat them in Russia.
Regardless, we passed the 100 days to the Finals mark a couple of weeks ago and, slowly but surely, excitement is starting to build for the big kick-off on 14th June. Bookies, of course, have been providing odds on the 2018 Finals from the moment the final whistle went in the Maracanã in July 2014.
Below is a guide to some early bets for the World Cup, which – in this writer’s humble opinion – offer standout value for the tournament. If you want to get maximum bang for your buck, check out the latest Bet365 sign up offer to get some free bets for the Finals.
Rashford to be England’s top scorer 12/1
Before anyone cries out that Rashford is an unlikely starter, it should be remembered that getting a couple of goals off the bench might be more than enough to secure top scorer for England. The Three Lions scored just two goals in total in Brazil 2014 and three in South Africa 2010. Rashford is the perfect impact sub and he may even force his way into the starting line-up. He loves the big occasion too. Harry Kane is available at 11/10, but can you really see any value in that?
Russia not to qualify from Group A 5/2
On paper, hosts Russia look like they have been given a decent draw for the Finals. They are joined in Group A by Uruguay, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. However, this is one of the poorest Russian sides in recent years. They will need to get off to a good start against Saudi Arabia in the opening game, but such occasions often find the hosts looking nervous. Uruguay are good shouts to top the group, but they may be joined by Mo Salah’s Egypt.
Argentina to be the top South American side at the Finals 15/8
This is more or less a straight shootout between Brazil and Argentina here, with the former available at evens. Argentina struggled in qualifying, at one point looking in danger of not making it to Russia at all. However, things have improved under Jorge Sampaoli. They are on the better side of the draw than Brazil (should they both win the groups) and could easily go further than their South American rivals. They have the little fella, Messi, too.
Romelu Lukaku to win the Golden Boot 25/1
Lukaku divides opinion in the Premier League, but his goal scoring record, especially at international level (at 24-years-old, he is already Belgium’s all-time leading scorer), speaks for itself. Belgium set up perfectly to complement the big man’s talents and his level of fitness is extraordinary, so he should have no problems with fatigue. They will go deep in this tournament, possibly thanks to the goals of the Manchester United man.
Spain to win the World Cup 15/2
Most people will be plumping for Germany and Brazil at around 5/1 to win the World Cup, but Spain might just offer the best value at the tournament. They are a different side to the tiki-taka team of years ago, more efficient in their approach and much stronger at the back. In a way, they have mimicked the transition in style of Barcelona. It will take a very good side to beat them in Russia.
