So you know Paddy’s Panel’s verdict on who’s getting the golden boot, who’s winning the whole thing and how far Wales are likely to go. But what about those who might be upsetting the apple cart at the 2022 World Cup?
Wonder no more as our crack team of football experts (and Paddy) offer their insights to a team and player each who might outrun their odds, if you will.
NEW TO PADDY POWER NEWS?
Joining Paddy Power once again are Phil Thompson, Charlie Nicholas, Mark Lawrenson and our top football trader Jason Murphy .
There’s not many tips in here but some great pub fodder to impress your mates with before Serbia knock France out in the semis.
THOMMO
Team: It’s losing finalists from 2018, CROATIA, for me. They’ve got some cracking players, a strong squad, and can be very hard to beat.
Player: England may not go beyond the last eight but JUDE BELLINGHAM has been dynamite for Dortmund. Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka are really promising but this is Jude’s chance to become a world star.
CHARLIE
Team: A good run from an African side is well overdue and I fancy SENEGAL to surprise few. Edouard Mendy in goal will be key, along with the experience of Chelsea clubmate Kalidou Koulibaly and star man Sadio Mane.
Player: He’s starting to make a big impression at Arsenal and GABRIEL MARTINELLI can be a superstar. I fancy him to force his way into the side. He’s so dynamic, quick and technically superior to many other players.
LAWRO
Team: I’m biased towards the South American teams, given the conditions in Qatar, but I fancy URUGUAY will do quite well. They’ve got a good blend of youth and experience.
Player: I just wonder if LUCAS PACQUETA will really explode here for Brazil. People in France have been raving about his but he’s only just getting going for West Ham.
JASON
Team: I think SERBIA will be a fun watch. They have quality all over but, most importantly, have serious firepower in Aleksandar Mitrovic and Dusan Vlahovic. A quarter-final appearance is possible.
Player: Keep an eye on Portugal’s attacking left-back NUNO MENDES. He is only 20 and some might be familiar with him as he plays for Paris St-Germain. Explosive going forward, but also an extremely strong defender.
PADDY
Team: Unbeaten under Louis van Gaal and with Liverpool rock VIRGIL VAN DIJK as their leader, The Netherlands could surprise a few.
Player: I’m going all in on JULIAN ALVAREZ. He hasn’t had much game time at Manchester City but has looked good whenever I’ve seen him.
World Cup outsider selections
Thommo – Croatia/Jude Bellingham
Charlie – Senegal/Gabriel Martinelli
Lawro – Uruguay/Lucas Paqueta
Jason – Serbia/Nuno Mendes
Paddy – The Netherlands/Julian Alvarez
Read More
- Score your football betting tips and previews at Paddy Power News
- World Cup 2022 dates, fixtures, groups, kick-off times and schedule for Qatar competition
- World Cup 2022: Which teams have qualified for the Qatar World Cup?
- World Cup winner odds: Brazil, France and England head Paddy’s Qatar 2022 outright market
- World Cup top scorer: Who are the favourites to win the Golden Boot?
- England World Cup predicted lineup: Paddy’s prices for Southgate’s starting XI v Iran