Qatar vs Switzerland - Qatar will fail to trouble the experienced Swiss
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Saturday, 20:00 Live on ITV1
Qatar crashed out of the 2022 tournament in the group stage despite staging the event, and they will be hoping for a far better outcome this time around. Unfortunately, this current crop of players looks weaker than the previous batch, and the appointment of Julen Lopetegui has yet to yield much positivity. The former West Ham boss has lost seven of his first 12, and his squad looks desperately short of firepower.
They have been drawn in a relatively kind section, alongside Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina. This will be their toughest task in Group B, and they could struggle to break down this experienced Swiss outfit. Murat Yakin's side are ruthlessly efficient at this stage of the tournament, and they also sailed through qualifying, conceding just two goals.
They're unbeaten in each of their last six opening World Cup group matches, keeping clean sheets against France, Spain and Cameroon. Qatar have been weak in recent away games, struggling outside the Gulf State and they aren't likely to find the back of the net on Saturday evening.
Back Switzerland to Win to Nil
Brazil vs Morocco - Atlas Lions to trouble Ancelotti's men
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Saturday, 23:00 Live on BBC One
Despite being amongst the favourites for the tournament, there appears to be slightly less expectation surrounding this Brazil squad. It was a mixed qualification period, although the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti has given the fans and players renewed optimism. The 66-year-old is a tournament specialist and has enjoyed plenty of success in club football, but he has a few questions to answer this summer.
The squad is undoubtedly talented, yet it is fairly top-heavy. Finding the perfect balance and keeping every single member of the team motivated is his first mission, although his previous relationship with Vinicius Jr will surely get the best out of the Real Madrid wideman.
Brazil tend to cruise through the group stage of the tournament, winning 11 of their last 12 opening games at the tournament. This is a fairly tougher opener and breaking down the Moroccan defence may not be entirely straightforward.
The Atlas Lions became the first African nation to reach the semi-final stage of the tournament, meaning that they arrive here with plenty of expectation. The departure of Walid Regragui is a blow, and although the players have seemingly responded to Mohamed Ouahbi, the new manager has yet to oversee a senior tournament.
Nevertheless, they have stacks of talent within the squad and specialise in fast transitions. Brazil's weak spot is their defence, and the North African's can take full advantage of those uncertainties at the back.
Back BTTS
Back Vinicius Jr Anytime Goalscorer
Haiti vs Scotland - Clarke's men to take a step closer to knock-out stages
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Sunday, 02:00 Live on BBC One
It is a remarkable achievement for this Caribbean nation to have qualified for this tournament considering that they are yet to set foot on Haiti. Since securing qualification, their results have dropped off and although the expectations remain modest, they will not go down without a fight.
Sebastien Migne has recruited several dual-national players, including Sunderland's Wilson Isidor, and they are likely to play on the front foot. They have nothing to lose in an exceptionally tough group.
Under Steve Clarke's tenure, Scotland have routinely secured qualification for international tournaments, yet they've been unable to make it through to the knock-out stages. The expanded format significantly increases these opportunities, but it is imperative that they do not drop any points in this opener.
With Brazil and Morocco on the horizon, Scotland must take maximum points here and Clarke's tactics should reflect that necessity. They should be far stronger in midfield with John McGinn and Scott McTominay likely to dictate proceedings, and Ben Gannon-Doak will add some pace, energy and creativity.
I'd expect them to get the job done in this opener, and the outstanding McTominay should be heavily involved once again. Haiti should make this an entertaining contest, yet they're likely to come up short.
A bet builder may be the best option for this Group C opener, and remember, when you place a £10 bet builder (or Acca) you will receive a free £10 bet.
Back Scotland to Win, A Goal in Both Halves and Scott McTominay Anytime Goalscorer (Bet Builder)
Australia vs Turkey - Low-key opener for the Aussies
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Sunday, 05:00 Live on ITV1
Australia reached the knock-out stages of the 2022 World Cup through sheer hard work and determination. Tony Popovic has replaced Graham Arnold, yet their blueprint hasn't altered dramatically. They don't lose many games and they will be pragmatic and tough to breach this summer. In terms of formation, the Socceroos are fairly flexible, yet every player will understand their role and execute it to the highest standard.
Their main issue is likely to be in the final third where they may lack the star quality to unlock the better backlines.
We tend to associate Turkey with erratic and unpredictable displays, yet they showed tactical discipline to secure their place at this tournament, ending the qualification period with back-to-back 1-0 victories.
The Crescent Stars are frequently touted as 'dark horses' ahead of tournament appearances, although they are yet to live up to this billing. Arda Guler is one of the most exciting talents in Europe, and they have a nice blend of youth and experience in the side. I think they will adapt and get better as the tournament progresses, but they may have to settle for a point in their opening Group D encounter.
Back Draw (Match Odds 90)