Spain, Belgium and Uruguay were some of the big guns that were held to opening draws in the World Cup and they will be looking for a different outcome in Sunday's action.
It’s a feast of football with four World Cup matches split over Sunday evening and the early hours on Monday morning. We have analysed the fixtures to deliver four best bets for the North American action.
Spain meet Saudi Arabia, Belgium take on Iran, Uruguay clash with Cape Verde and New Zealand battle Egypt in four thrilling World Cup ties.
Below are our four selections in the World Cup betting for Sunday’s acca, which pays 50/1 if successful.
Sunday’s Best Bets
- Spain v Saudi Arabia – Under 3.5 goals @ 7/10
- Belgium v Iran – Kevin de Bruyne to score @ 2/1
- New Zealand to beat Egypt @ 7/2
- New Zealand v Egypt – Chris Wood to score @ 3/1
Pays out at 50/1
Spain could be set for more pain
Spain failed to collect three points when sent off 1/20 to beat Cape Verde and punters are now being asked to take 1/9 that La Roja can get the better of Saudi Arabia.
It’s likely to be a case of Spain dominating the ball once again and while Luis de la Fuente’s men are likely to seal the deal this time, it may not be a high-scoring victory.
La Roja created an expected goals total of just 2.10 against Cape Verde and Spain are short in attacking areas with Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams struggling for fitness.
Saudi Arabia were excellent in the first half of their 1-1 draw with Uruguay and the Greens are capable of making things tough for Spain. Under 3.5 goals rates a solid play in Atlanta.
Leg 1: Under 3.5 goals @ 7/10
De Bruyne ready to be set free
With Romelu Lukaku not fully fit and Charles De Ketelaere an unconvincing striking option, Belgium’s hopes of goals could fall on Kevin de Bruyne.
The Napoli man will be the most advanced of the Red Devils’ midfield performers against Iran and it’s a contest in which Belgium should produce plenty of attacking output.
De Bruyne hit four shots, struck the woodwork and missed an excellent chance in the 1-1 draw with Egypt.
The 34-year-old will be on penalty-taking duty, while free-kick responsibilities will also fall on the former Manchester City star, so he looks an excellent bet to find the net against Iran.
Leg 2: Kevin de Bruyne to score @ 2/1
Wood can cut down rivals
New Zealand’s performance level in their 2-2 draw with Iran and, in particular the effort of Chris Wood, suggests that the All Whites are overpriced against Egypt.
Wood didn’t find the net in that opening World Cup draw, but the Nottingham Forest forward was a huge physical presence and he will once again carry a threat from set-plays.
Egypt have the star names in Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, but Salah doesn’t look fully fit and the Pharaohs conceded plenty of chances when drawing 1-1 with Belgium in their opening World Cup contest.
Romelu Lukaku’s introduction saw the Red Devils bundle the ball into the net and Egypt could have issues dealing with Wood’s power and aerial ability.
New Zealand are overpriced on the match betting market and Wood also rates a bet to find the net.
Leg 3: New Zealand to beat Egypt @ 7/2
Leg 4: Chris Wood to score @ 3/1
