To the soccer betting newcomer, the Group H meeting between Poland and Senegal might not feel like it offers much. To the seasoned punter and fan, however, it has the potential to be one of the more memorable group stage matches and features a healthy dosage of betting value and a great opportunity to pad the bankroll.
Let’s start with the odds. Sportsbook is offering Poland as the favorite in moneyline markets at +130 with Senegal +230 and the draw +220. In spread betting, Poland is a half-goal fave at +130 and Senegal -160. As for the total, OVER 2 goals is -150 with the UNDER coming back at +120.
Bet on the 2018 World Cup here
- All 10 of Poland’s World Cup qualifiers went OVER 2.5 goals.
- This is Senegal’s second World Cup appearance. They finished 7th in 2002.
- Poland’s Robert Lewandowski has 52 goals in 93 caps.
To be perfectly honest, this is easily one of my most anticipated matches in the first run of group stage games at the 2018 World Cup. Both teams boast star power, skill and experience and both are viable candidates to win a very tough Group H that also features Colombia and Japan.
Poland was dealt an awful blow the day the 23-man squad was announced when Kamil Glik injured his shoulder while attempting a bicycle kick in training. Glik could easily be considered Poland’s most important defender and his 58 caps are fourth-most on the squad behind Jakub Błaszczykowski (97), Robert Lewandowski (93) and Łukasz Piszczek (61).
Make no mistake about it: Glik’s injury is massive and if he can’t go against an extremely talented Senegal, Poland could very well lack the mettle at the back to stop the intimidating attacking options coming their way.
That attack features the likes of Sadio Mané, Keita Baldé, M’Baye Niang and Mame Biram Diouf and it will be a handful for any backline, let alone one missing its best center back.
Senegal was one of the best sides in CAF qualifiers, topping Group D with 14 points in six games. The hulking pairing of Kalidou Koulibaly and Salif Sané is going to be an absolute nightmare for opponents. Both are coming off tremendous domestic campaigns (for Napoli and Hannover, respectively) and are lethal targets from options from set pieces.
Speaking of nightmares, Liverpool’s Sadio Mané was living in defenders’ nightmares all season in England and Europe so don’t expect the World Cup to be any different. He’ll be the talisman of the Senegal attack and his blinding pace is going to be a big concern for all in Group H.
Best Bet for Poland-Senegal:
If you’re feeling ambitious, back Senegal’s moneyline at +230. My reservation here is that since it’s each side’s opener, it could be a game where both play conservative football considering each has a meeting with Colombia waiting. My recommendation here will be Senegal’s spread at +0.5 (-160). Yes, that is chalky but it’s better than their double-chance price (-170) as I write this preview. I, as you should be too, will be keeping close tabs on this group and, specifically, Senegal. This should be a tasty opener, though. Enjoy it.
