Japan v Senegal

An interesting fixture this one. Japan came through 2-1 against Colombia, but they played against 10 men for a full 87 minutes, and although they ended up on top in all the statistical metrics, it was hardly dominant given the advantage they should have enjoyed.

Senegal meanwhile beat Poland 2-1, but managed that result despite just one shot on target in the match and the Poles will definitely have come away thinking about what should have been. That makes this a strange old heat.

There's an argument that a draw could suit both sides - if they get that, they are both in control of their own destinies ahead of the final match day. Should one lose though, and they will suddenly be under loads of threat with bigger things surely expected of Colombia and Poland in the final round of games.

On balance I'd be more concerned about Japan's inability to win against Colombia more easily than Senegal staging a smash and grab against Poland, and it is the African side who look the better value at 6/4 in this now the market has drifted on them.

The Man of the Match market looks interesting, and market front runners have had a decent strike rate this tournament. Liverpool man Sadio Mane played a nice advnaced position (as shown below) against Poland, and with the award going to goal scorers in a high proportion of matches you'd fancy him to win if if he scores - something he's just 7/4 to do. I'd prefer to take the 7/2 on him winning this award.

0.5pts Mane to win FIFA Man of the Match at 7/2 (General)

0.5pts Penalty Awarded in the Match at 15/8 (Betstars)

#Football