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The Scout: World Cup Matchday 5 Preview, 24 Nov

Group G – Switzerland v Cameroon

Switzerland’s strong spine gives them the advantage here. Veteran goalkeeper Yann Sommer, defenders Manuel Akanji and Ricardo Rodriguez, midfielders Granit Xhaka and Denis Zakaria, and forwards Xherdan Shaqiri and Haris Seferovic have been part of the setup for a long time and will fancy their chances of progressing.

Cameroon can’t be discounted Vincent Aboubakar and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting in attack, but their excellent goalkeeper Andre Onana could find himself very busy.

Another close contest on the cards but Switzerland have the better team.

WIN Switzerland @ $1.73*


Group H – Uruguay v South Korea

Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani are back for another World Cup, and this time they’ve brought Darwin Nunes with them. However, the real star of the show for Uruguay will be midfielder Federico Valverde who has been immense for Real Madrid in recent seasons.

South Korea rely heavily on superstar Son Heung-min but he is just returning the action following surgery on an eye fracture and will play with a mask. Defender Kim Min-jae of Napoli is another key man, while Hwang Hee-chan offers threat from the wing.

If Son isn’t at his brilliant best, then Uruguay should come out on top.

WIN Uruguay @ $1.71*


Group H – Portugal v Ghana

Cristiano Ronaldo’s club future has overshadowed much of the build-up. The captain should lead the line and feed of the service of playmakers Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes. AC Milan’s Rafael Leao is one to watch, while Joao Cancelo is just as important in attack as he is in defence.

Seasoned La Liga striker Inaki Williams switched allegiances from Spain and gives a massive boost to Ghana’s squad. The Ayew brothers, Andre and Jordan, as well as Arsenal’s Thomas Partey are some familiar names, while Abdul Fatawu Issahaku is a youngster drawing attention from top European clubs.

There have been some shocks so far and Ghana have the potential to cause another.

DRAW @ $1.41*


Group G – Brazil v Serbia

Brazil have an embarrassment of riches in attack, with a queue of players lining up to support Neymar. Gabriel Jesus, Richarlison, Vinicius Junior, Antony, Gabriel Martinelli and Raphina are all available and will cause headaches for any defence.

Serbia aren’t short on firepower either in the form of Dusan Vlahovic and Aleksandar Mitrovic, although there are doubts over the latter’s fitness following a recent injury. The supporting cast of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Dusan Tadic and Filip Kostic is excellent.

Brazil are the tournament favourites so will be keen to make a big statement in their opener.

WIN Brazil @ $1.45*

*Odds correct as at 9am, 24th November 2022.

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