World Cup Day 17 Tipsheet: Best bets and predictions including a 11/4 punt in Panama v England

Panama v England Tip - Use your head

Click here for Panama v England odds
Saturday, 20:00
Live on ITV

Nico O'Reilly's had four shots this summer, all headers and three from corners. That's a headed shots per 90 of 3.16. 

His only one to hit the target came against Croatia, and another one crashed off the crossbar against Ghana. 

England's left back is clearly a set piece threat, but the scary part is he basically plays as a midfielder in possession meaning he can frequently be seen loitering in the box.

And with Reece James' crossing from the right hand ride, he's just as much of a threat from open play. 

At an industry best price of 11/43.75, backing him to have a headed shot on target it the bet here. 

Croatia v Ghana Tip - Cagey game expected

Click here for Croatia v Ghana odds
Saturday, 20:00
Live on ITV

Ghana are a point and a place ahead of Croatia in Group L, the Black Stars only need to avoid defeat while Croatia need all three points if they want to get qualification confirmed on Saturday evening.

In truth, a draw could suit all parties and see the Chequered One's progress as one of the eight best third placed teams, but it'll be a nervy wait for Zlatko Dalic's side. 

After the six-goal-thriller with England, Croatia edged past Panama 1-0. Ghana beat Panama by the same scoreline and held England to a stalemate. 

I expect another low scoring affair here, but at the prices available it's a no bet. 

Colombia v Portugal Tip - Go for goals

Click here for Colombia v Portugal odds
Sunday, 00:30
Live on BBC

The top two in Group K square off as Colombia face Portugal in Miami. 

The South Americans top the group with six points, A Selecao in second with four so a win for Roberto Martinez's side would see them leapfrog Los Cafeteros into top spot. 

Finishing first could be crucial because as it stands, first place will play Croatia in the round of 32, Switzerland or Algeria in the round of 16 and probably Argentina in the quarters. 

Finishing second currently pits you against Ghana in the next round and then Spain or Austria in the round of 16. 

So, it's all to play for here, a dynamic which could lead to goals, and at 1/12.00 backing both teams to score appeals. 

Colombia's first game with Uzbekistan saw this bet click as they netted three times. 

Despite having three goals disallowed, and 20 shots, they needed a last minute deflection to beat DR Congo. 

Portugal put five past Uzbekistan and their other game finished a score draw, conceding a combined expected-goals-against of 1.11. 

Their backline should face a much sterner test here though. 

DR Congo v Uzbekistan Tip - Congo's to lose

Click here for DR Congo v Uzbekistan odds
Sunday, 00:30
Live on BBC

A third place spot is on the line in the other final game in Group K. 

With four points looking increasingly like the magic number, a win would probably be enough for DR Congo taking them too four points and a neutral goal-difference or better. 

If they cut the shackles here, they should win against a side which has conceded eight goals in two games. 

Uzbekistan haven't got a point yet so will need to win here, and do so by a significant margin to stand any chance of sneaking into the next round. But their chances of making it out of the group are slim to none.

No bet for me. 

Algeria v Austria Tip - Shake hands on qualifcation?

Click here for Algeria v Austria odds
Sunday, 03:00
Live on BBC

This game in Group J is one where both teams could shake hands on a draw and both make the knockout stages. 

Austria and Algeria are both on three points, so a share of the spoils would probably see Algeria through to the knockouts as one of the best third placed sides. 

As it stands, Austria will play Spain, then Portugal or Ghana, Yikes. While Algeria could face Switzerland in the round of 32 and Colombia or Croatia in the round after. 

Unsurprisingly, the draw is 6/52.20 here. 

Not that I'd suggest these two would play out a draw on purpose but Austria do owe Algeria after the '82 World Cup. 

Jordan v Argentina Tip - Cagey game expected

Click here for Jordan v Argentina odds
Sunday, 03:00
Live on BBC

Argentina will be looking to maintain their perfect record in Group J against Jordan. 

The South Americans are guaranteed to finish in top spot though, and they are playing against a nation already eliminated from the competition, making this one a dead rubber. 

It wouldn't be a surprise to see Lionel Scaloni ring the changes and rest his big hitters ready for the knockouts. Even if he does, La Albiceleste should win comfortably. 

They've netted five times in two games - all scored by Lionel Messi - without conceding and Jordan have conceded five times. 

Check out all of our World Cup 2026 betting tips this week