Our 6/4 banker bet that Chile would beat Japan by more than a goal landed in midweek. However the 2019 Copa America has been a bit of a minefield for punters so far, having produced a fair few shocks, with Argentina already on the brink of elimination.
Running total: -£27.72
The Banker
After two lacklustre performances, Argentina’s hopes are hanging by a thread and anything other than a victory against Qatar on Sunday will see them eliminated. If Paraguay beat Colombia, who are already confirmed as Group B winners, the Albiceleste could only finish third. However that might still be enough for them to sneak into the knockout phase.
Lionel Messi continues to carry the weight of a nation on his shoulders and while he played well during their 1-1 draw with Paraguay, his teammates now need to step up. Qatar have acquitted themselves brilliantly so far, and their high-tempo approach has shown they are not merely here to make up the numbers. They like to attack and, given Argentina’s defensive frailties (they’ve conceded in four of their last five games), both teams to score looks a lock here at 11/8.
Selection: £6 on both teams to score at 11/8 with bet365.
The First Goal Flutter
Brazil were left frustrated by VAR after having no less than three goals chalked off as they slipped to a surprise 0-0 draw with Venezuela in midweek. However, they looked a better side following the introduction of Gabriel Jesus and the Manchester City striker should keep his place when the Selecao face Peru on Saturday. Tite’s side — unbeaten now in 12 matches — will top Group A if they avoid defeat but a demanding public will surely want them to go for the jugular and Jesus could be the man to get with at 11/4 to score first.
Selection: £4 on Gabriel Jesus to score first at 11/4 with bet365.
The Tasty Treble
Ecuador endured a miserable build-up to this year’s Copa America, failing to win any of their four warm-up matches and they then fell to a 4-0 defeat to Uruguay in their first game. They face Chile next and La Roja look worthy favourites at 5/6.
Uruguay have looked impressive so far and should prove too hot for Japan. Oscar Tabarez’s men have netted 14 times without reply across their last four fixtures. Japan have brought an experimental squad to Brazil, with no fewer than eight players making their full debuts during a 4-0 shellacking at the hands of Chile. You can get 6/4 with bet365 about Uruguay winning this and covering a two-goal handicap and on what we have seen so far from the Blue Samurai, that looks a great bet.
Venezuela look good things at 9/20 to beat a Bolivia side who’ve lost five games on the spin and who are leaking goals. The Chile/Uruguay/Venezuela threefold is paying better than 11/2 with bet365 and looks very solid.
Selection: £4 on the treble at 5.64/1 with bet365.