World Cup Player Props for Thursday's Six Matches

With the World Cup group stage into its final round of fixtures, there are six matches a day for a short period. On Thursday, we will be treated to Ecuador taking on Germany, an intriguing clash between Japan and Sweden, and some high-stakes duels in Group D.

There are big names aplenty taking the field from Alexander Isak to Jamal Musiala.

Here are our top soccer betting tips from the player prop markets:

Enner Valencia to Score Anytime (+230)

No one else in the Ecuador squad has more than eight international goals. Enner Valencia is his country’s leading goal scorer and Ecuador know they must beat Germany to stand a chance of reaching the knockout phase of this World Cup.

Germany let Curaçao and Ivory Coast create chances. Ecuador have been held goalless so far, but they have to move away from their usual defense-first approach and go searching for goals to give themselves a chance.

Valencia has long been a tournament specialist. He’s scored 11 goals at major tournaments, including six at the World Cup.

Juninho Bacuna to Have 2+ Shots (-160)

Juninho Bacuna has taken four shots in two matches. Three of those came in a draw with Ecuador. Curaçao must beat the Ivory Coast to stand any chance of progressing to the next phase, so the underdogs need to chase the game.

Bacuna had two or more shots in three of his final five Eredivisie appearances. Taking free kicks and willing to unleash shots from distance in open play, there’s a decent chance Bacuna goes over this line in the first half.

Hannibal Mejbri to Get Booked (+190)

Hannibal Mejbri averaged a yellow card every 123 minutes in the Premier League season. He was carded in three of his last four league appearances and has continued that combative streak in the World Cup.

Hannibal has six tackles and three fouls committed in two matches. Facing the Netherlands, he’s going to spend a lot of time chasing the ball, which seems like the perfect situation for some rash fouls. He could end up getting a yellow for an accumulation of fouls, even if none of the tackles are particularly bad.

Ayase Ueda to Score Anytime (+165)

Sweden were a mess defensively against the Netherlands. Japan’s attack has been potent, creating chances aplenty against Tunisia and the Netherlands. Ayase Ueda has been leading the line fresh off a 25-goal campaign for Feyenoord, and he scored a brace in the 4-0 drubbing of Tunisia.

Ueda got off five shots in his last match. One constant in his performances over the last few months has been a high shots tally. The way Sweden defended in their last match suggests he can take multiple shots on Thursday and should add a third World Cup goal.

Julio Enciso to Score or Assist (+200)

With assists in each of Paraguay’s first two matches and nine dribbles, Julio Enciso has been his country’s primary creative force. He had four assists in his final two league matches for Strasbourg.

Australia are going to try and absorb Paraguay’s pressure in the knowledge a draw will be enough to go through. A victory is important for Paraguay to avoid the uncertainty of the third-placed standings, and much of their attack will be funnelled through Enciso as they try to break down the Socceroos’ low block.

Malik Tillman to Score or Assist (+145)

There’s nothing to play for with the United States through as group winners and Türkiye eliminated. Mauricio Pochettino may rotate for this fixture, which makes it hard to identify the best player props to back.

Malik Tillman’s been incredibly impressive in the first two matches, though. Dangerous as a ball carrier, an intelligent passer, and often drawing fouls, Tillman could run riot if Türkiye have switched off. Don’t be put off by his six goal involvements in the Bundesliga last season.

Soccer Tips