The 4 underdogs you should back in this week’s WCQ 2018 action
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The road to World Cup 2018 is again the focus for players across the globe this weekend, with crucial qualifying games on the agenda in every country from Iraq to Italy.
But it seems the value this time around looks in backing some very well-priced underdogs. Here are the four outsiders we’re placing our trust in this weekend.
Chile to beat Argentina @ 13/2 [Thursday: 23:30]
With Chile a point ahead of La Albiceleste after 12 games of qualifying, and having defeated them in last year’s Copa America final, it’s a real surprise to see La Roja priced up at 6/1 to take three points in Buenos Aires.
Add to that the fact that Argentina have won just one of their last five games, with Juan Antonio Pizzi’s men unbeaten in five – including a 3-1 victory over Uruguay in November – and it’s clear where the value lies in this tie.
Costa Rica to beat Mexico @ 5/1 [Friday: 01:50]
Few expected Costa Rica to top a World Cup 2014 group containing England, Italy and Uruguay – but having achieved that feat, they’ve spent the last two-and-a-half-years proving that it was no fluke. This Sele team are the real deal.
And right now, they top the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying group, thanks in part to a 4-0 demolition of the United States in San Jose, last time out. With Mexico lacking a regular goalscorer right now, we’d lump on the visitors to pull off a shock at the Aztec Stadium.
Georgia to beat Serbia @ 17/4 [Friday: 17:00]
Underestimate the Georgians at your peril. They’re the only side to win away at Spain since the end of 2014, and brushed aside Scotland in Tbilisi in Euro 2016 qualifying. Oh, and they’ve won four of their last 10 home games to nil.
For Serbia’s part, they’ve enjoyed victory in just two of their past 11 away games and were beaten 2-0 by a very ordinary Ukraine side back in November. And with high-scoring Georgia midfielders Tornike Okriashvili and Valeri Kazaishvili to contend with, it might all be a bit much for the Eagles.
Slovenia to beat Scotland @ 23/10
Unbeaten in six games, we were expecting to see Srecko Katanec’s side as favourites for victory at Hampden Park. But with the visitors priced up longer than 2/1, we reckon it’s definitely worth lumping on.
Unlucky not to beat Poland in their last away game, Slovenia have conceded just one goal in their last six outings – compared to the 12 shipped by Gordon Strachan’s men during the same period. And their solid defence can be the backbone of another win here.
Get the latest World Cup 2018 Qualification odds here.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
