2018 World Cup Odds and Prediction: Senegal Team Betting Preview
Pundits range from saying they are capable of winning the group, right down to others who have them finishing fourth. Currently, Senegal is ranked 28th in the FIFA world rankings, and is commonly thought of as the number one soccer country out of the continent of Africa. They are coming off winning Africa’s top group ahead of Burkina Faso, Cape Verde and South Africa. This will be the second World Cup appearance in the country’s history.
2018 World Cup Senegal Betting Odds
The best finish for Senegal at the World Cup was in their first World Cup in 2002, when they made it to the quarter-finals. They are now managed by one of the most recognized faces in the team, former Senegal star Aliou Cisse, who took over the reins in 2015. He was the captain of the squad back in 2002. Speaking of captains, Senegal is led by veteran Cheikhou Kouyate, who plays his club soccer at West Ham United. Sports Interaction currently has Senegal paying +450 to advance out of the group, and +18200 to win the World Cup.
Senegal Players to Watch
Fresh off his appearance at the Champions League Final, Sadio Mane (Liverpool) is someone that strikes fear into opponents. The 26-year old striker enters the tournament confident, and ready to inspire a nation. He scored 10 goals with Liverpool during the season, and an impressive nine during Champions League play. Kalidou Koulibaly is one of stars of Napoli (Serie A). The center-half could play an important role in chipping in goals alongside Mane.
Senegal World Cup Formation and Projected Starting 11
The projected formation for Senegal is a 4-3-3 attack. Look for Khadim N’Diaye; Youssouf Sabaly, Kalidou Koulibaly, Salif Sane, Lamine Gassama; Cheikhou Kouyate, Idrissa Gueye, Alfred N’Diaye; Keita Balde Diao, Diafra Sakho, Sadio Mane to make up the starting 11 when they start the tournament on June 19.
Senegal Strengths
This squad is one of the faster teams in the tournament, and pace of play will be key in any victories they register. Look for this team from the midfield on to be one in attack mode. If they team is down by a goal late in the game there’s enough fire-power up front to make any fan watch until the referee blows the final whistle.
Senegal Weaknesses
For the most part this is a very young and inexperienced team. Nobody from the roster have any experience that this level. That lack of experience could hurt them if they advance past the group stage. Although they are sound throughout the line-up, the questions of proper goaltending keep coming up. It should be interesting to see what happens in close games, or even penalty kicks if that were to happen.
Senegal News
One the topic of Sadio Mane, the team’s top player, there are also questions about his health. Throughout the season, the Liverpool striker has battled hamstring problems, so much that the club team has sent physio therapists to Russia to work alongside Senegal officials in taking proper care of the prized player. If Mane struggles with injuries in this tournament, it could spell doom for the country.
Senegal Betting Prediction
The best-case scenario for this team is to sneak into the top two of this group. Sadio Mane is paying +8200 at Sports Interaction to win the Golden Ball (player of the tournament), but this scenario is unlikely, considering Senegal would have to advance to the World Cup final. With the talent up front, I could see this group playing to a lot of over totals, especially when paired up against Poland in the group stage. Also, when betting Senegal, be aware of the tie. This team can definitely put a wrench into Poland and Colombia’s plans to advance out of the group.
