<
>

Chile to lose to Uruguay? Salah to star for Egypt vs. DR Congo?

Qatar gave Argentina a scare but failed to find the net as La Albiceleste scrambled into the last 16 of the Copa America while also denying our banker bet on Sunday night. Chile face Uruguay this week to determine who will top Group C, while there's also African Cup of Nations action from Egypt.

Running total: -£41.72

The Banker

Uruguay know only a win will do if they want to top Group C and they are 21/20 shots to beat Chile with bet365. Chile have been impressive in their two games so far but are sweating on the fitness of Alexis Sanchez.

The Manchester United outcast has scored in each of La Roja's wins so far in Brazil, and has found the net for his country in every one of their last four Copa America campaigns. However he has been troubled by an ankle injury and is not certain to start at the Maracana.

Uruguay stumbled to a shock 2-2 draw with Japan last time out but have attempted 20 shots more than Chile so far in the tournament and they look worthy favourites here.

Uruguay's defensive masters Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez could have a huge say in proceedings, and if they can keep Eduardo Vargas and Sanchez (should be be declared fit) quiet then we fancy them for the win. A draw would be enough to see both teams through, although winning the group would mean avoiding a potential meeting with favourites and hosts Brazil until the final.

Selection: £5 on Uruguay to win at 21/20 with bet365.

The First Goal Flutter

Ecuador know they must beat Japan to stand any chance of progressing. It should be a spicy affair with Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu catching a fair bit of criticism in Brazil for a perceived lack of respect for sending their under-23s to the oldest tournament in international football.

Moriyasu is considering recalling teenage star Takefusa Kubo for Monday's must-win clash but it's the 9/2 for Enner Valencia to score first that catches our eye. The former West Ham man has bags of pace, takes penalties and can fire La Tri to victory late on Monday evening.

Selection: £2 on Valencia to score first at 9/2 with bet365.

The Tasty Treble

African Cup of Nations favourites Egypt made a steady if unspectacular start to their 2019 campaign with a 1-0 win over Zimbabwe and they look good at 1/2 to make it two wins from two when they face DR Congo on Wednesday. Mohamed Salah was not at his best in their opening fixture but the Liverpool goal machine is still his country's go-to man for the big occasion, blasting 39 goals in just 63 appearances for the Pharaohs.

Elsewhere, Uganda were mightily impressive as they won their opening game and they look a bet at 23/20 to beat a Zimbabwe side who struggle to score goals.

Finally, the draw could be the best bet at 11/5 with Nigeria face Guinea. The Super Eagles are finally back in the Cup of Nations after missing out on the last two editions, much to their embarrassment. However this is not a vintage Nigeria side and Guinea, who finished ahead of Ivory Coast in qualifying, could claim a share of the spoils here.

Selection: £3 on the treble at 9.32/1 with bet365.

The Wildcard

Thomas Partey is the lynchpin at the heart of Ghana and he looks big at 16/1 to score first for the Black Stars against Benin on Tuesday evening. He was outstanding during the 2017 finals and has also been earning rave reviews for Atletico Madrid in recent times.

Selection: £1 on Partey to score first at 16/1 with bet365.

18+ / begambleaware.org / Terms and conditions apply.