We've reached day 10 of the World Cup and so far this column has been very profitable. If you're new here, make sure to check out Nathan's quartet of predictions as Germany, Ecuador, the Netherlands and Japan all return to action looking to seal three important points - but is he with or against the market favourites?
Our World Cup tipster has shared his analysis on all four matches as well as provided his best
World Cup tips.
Germany vs Ivory Coast
While Germany hammered Curacao 7-1, it was arguably Ivory Coast that impressed the most. The Africans beat Ecuador in the last minute 1-0 - a nation highly rated heading into this World Cup - and Germany will have to be at their best to get back-to-back wins. However, while their free flowing attack danced their way through Curacao's defence, this is a completely different test for the Germans.
Unbeaten in their last 10 matches, which includes five straight wins, Ivory Coast will give Julian Nagelsmann's defence plenty to think about. With Yan Diomande, Bazoumana Toure, Elye Wahi and first round goalscorer Amad Diallo as options, the African nation won't sit back and invite pressure. Their pace on the counter is going to catch the very best out at the World Cup and Germany may be one of those.
The Europeans are odds-on favourites to come out on top, but it would be naive to think that it will be easy for them.
Therefore, I'm sticking up
Ivory Coast +1.5 Handicap at 9/10 with
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Ecuador vs Curacao
Ecuador must bounce back after their opening day defeat but with Curacao up next, the South Americans will be confident they can get not only the win but a few goals to their tally. If Ecuador are to do that, it's most likely going to be their captain.
Although now 36, Enner Valencia continues to lead the line for his country and scored six of their 14 goals during qualifiers. He's also responsible from 12 yards and with Curacao conceding a penalty in round one, that's another possibility for the Pachuca striker.
Ecuador have only ever qualified for the World Cup on four occasions, and Valencia has scored 43% of their goals at the tournament. With the manager lining up with a 4-5-1 formation, Ecuador - and Valencia - should get plenty of opportunities to score.
Instead of chasing three + goals on the handicap line, this looks to be a lot safer.
My main tip is
Enner Valencia to score
at 8/11
with
BetMGM.
Netherlands vs Sweden
The Netherlands led twice against Japan before throwing away all three points in the final minute. The Dutch looked dangerous in the final third yet fragile at the back despite Virgil van Dijk's presence, and that needs to change if they are to progress at the World Cup. Sweden, on the other hand, took full advantage of Tunisia's off-field situation and embarrassed them scoring five goals. However, they too, didn't keep a clean sheet against arguably the worst performing nation at the tournament to date.
So with both sides failing to keep clean sheets in round one but proving capable in front of goal, it's difficult to argue that particular trend won't continue. The Netherlands must pick up three points, while another win will allow Sweden to relax - and potentially rotate - before the knockouts.
Both nations have plenty in attack - and this looks like a game that could be wide open from the first whistle. Neither defence looks bulletproof and with Sweden finding their mojo back after a poor 12 months, they'll want to qualify as soon as possible.
My main tip is to back the
over 2.5 goals at 10/11
with
BetMGM.
Tunisia vs Japan
Tunisia parted ways with Sabri Lamouchi after their embarrassing display vs Sweden. He opted to not play a single striker and leave most attacking options on the bench and paid the ultimate price. And although a new experience manager is in place for round two, what this squad can achieve at the World Cup looks to be extremely limited.
Japan, on the other had, were excellent vs the Netherlands despite conceding two. They fought back well and showed that there's enough class in the final third to win matches and progress to the knockout stages. Tunisia, although scored vs Sweden, will face a much tougher defence this time round. And with not much time to adjust under their new head coach, an early exit could be on the cards.
The Asian outfit don't often concede many - especially against nations ranked lower than them - and this could be a professional job against the Africans.
Therefore, my main tip is
Japan to win and under 4.5 goals at 7/10 with
BetMGM.
Betting Tips
Germany vs Ivory Coast:
Ivory Coast +1.5 Handicap at 1/1
Ecuador vs Curacao:
Enner Valencia to score anytime at 8/11
Netherlands vs Sweden: Over 2.5 goals at 10/11
Tunisia vs Japan: Japan to win and under 4.5 goals at 7/10
Be sure to check out our
best World Cup offers
throughout the tournament.
