Poland in with a Great Chance
It’s time for the last group to get going with Colombia, Senegal, Japan and Poland before we move on to the second round of games.
Poland
Poland have had a strong squad for some time now, and they impressed during qualifying finishing above Denmark and Montenegro. It’s no doubt why the Polish are expected to qualify from this group with Colombia. On paper Poland have a great team, especially when you put it next to Senegal, and it’s no surprise that they’re favourites in this match up.
Their coach Nawalka has the ability to change formation as he wishes, depending on the opposition, and can shift from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-3-3. Having said that they’re most likely to go with a 4-2-3-1, with their superstar Lewandowski alone up top and Zielinski hovering behind. However, one big question mark is the injury to Glik which has caused the odds to rise.
Poland’s potential start 11:
- Szczesny
- Piszczek - Cionek - Pazdan - Rybus
- Krychowiak - Linetty
- Blaszczykowski - Zielinski - Grosicki
- Lewandowski
Senegal
Senegal are showing up in Russia with a very interesting squad and could be the surprise outfit in Group H. Their attacking capabilities are clear for everyone to see with players such as Mané, Sarr, Sakho, Baldé and Niang. Obviously the one who really stands out here is Mané who is arguably Senegal’s best player, and his pace will be a problem for any opposition that comes their way.
Despite all that Senegal only averaged 2.17 goals per match in qualifying. The main reason behind it is their coach Aliou Cissé, who prefers to go with a more defensive approach that has come up against considerable criticism. At the same time it’s tough to argue with it considering it’s taken Senegal to the World Cup, but with the squad they’ve got anything less would’ve been a catastrophe.
Senegal’s potential start 11:
- Diallo
- Sabaly - Mbodji - Koulibaly - Ciss
- Gueye - N'Diaye
- Sarr - Mané - Baldé
- Sakho
Betting Tip
This is a game I’m eagerly anticipating, between two teams who love to attack. Nevertheless, the odds for a tight game like this are still decent. As I’ve said, Poland are strong favourites here and that’s exactly who I’m going to back. The odds have risen a little but Poland are clearly better than Senegal. The Polish need to be defensively set against a strong attacking side in Senegal, especially with their speed - but I think Poland are well prepared for it. In my book Poland have a 65/35 shot at getting the job done here, but still there’s a lot of uncertainty in this one. That’s why I see the value in placing a draw no bet on Poland at odds of 5/8 with Bethard.
