HOSTS Russia will kick off the Confederations Cup against New Zealand on Saturday aiming to do better than they did at Euro 2016.
The Russians flopped badly but should edge out the Kiwis as they try to improve on their lowest-ever world ranking of 63.
Russia are a best 3-10 at William Hill to get off to a flier but don’t look to them as potential winners.
For me it’s between European champions Portugal and South American sizzlers Chile – Germany have sent a young team and are in a tougher group alongside the
Chileans, Cameroon and Australia.
Toni Kroos, Thomas Muller, Mesuz Ozil and Marco Reus, Leroy Sane, Mario Gotze, Manuel Neuer and Julian Weigl are all absent.
Only Julian Draxler, Emre Can and Shkodran Mustafi are well known names but the youngsters could perform well under Joachim Low and are 13-5 with Betway.
Chile have won back-to-back Copa Americas – both on penalties – and have matchwinners in the shape of Alexis Sanchez and Bayern Munich’s Arturo Vidal.
They look value at 7-4 with Stan James to win Group B and kick off against Cameroon on Sunday. Back them at 4-6 with Ladbrokes and try Arsenal’s Sanchez at 4-1 with 188BET to score first.
Portugal will rely on Cristiano Ronaldo who wants to add the trophy to his triumphs at Euro 2016 and in the Champions League. After suffering a Euro hangover the Portuguese are back on track with five wins in a row and 22 goals and could be the team to beat. They are 13-5 with Betway.
They start against Mexico on Sunday and look decent value to win at 6-5 with BetStars. Ronaldo is 3-1 at William Hill to score first with new AC Milan signing Andre Silva 6-1 with McBookie.
Germany launch their campaign against Australia on Monday and despite their lack of experience should win this. Back them at 4-9 with William Hill and -1 at 23-20.
Recommended Bets
Portugal to lift trophy
Chile to win Group B
In December 2020 we sadly 
