Senegal’s World Cup hopes are in the balance, after failing to take a point from matches against Norway or France, but the AFCON finalists can still make it through to the knockout phase if they beat Iraq. Will they stand up to the pressure? Read on for our Senegal vs Iraq tips below, and find out how you can earn yourself £30 in free bets for the World Cup when you sign up with bet365.
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Get £30 in World Cup free bets with bet365
If you’re looking for new betting sites to sign up with during the World Cup, then be sure to give bet365 a look. Their welcome offer is generous and straightforward to claim, but there is far more to the bookmaker than just its sign-up promotion.
Here, we’ll take a closer look at one of the extra features available to World Cup bettors.
Keep your player bets alive with Sub On, Play On
One of bet365’s most useful World Cup features is SOPO, short for Sub On, Play On, which applies to selected player markets.
SOPO is designed to protect bettors when substitutions affect player bets. If the player you back is taken off, your bet automatically rolls over to their replacement at the same odds.
For example, imagine you back Ismaila Sarr to score anytime for Senegal against Iraq. If Sarr is substituted after 70 minutes without scoring and Iliman Ndiaye comes on in his place, your bet transfers to Ndiaye at the original price. If Ndiaye then scores, your bet still wins.
The feature also applies in extra time. If you back a player to score in a knockout match and they meet the bet requirement after the 90 minutes are up, the selection can still settle as a winner with no change in odds.
That added flexibility makes SOPO particularly useful during tournament football, where substitutions and extra-time drama can have a major impact on player bets.
Sub On, Play On Key T&Cs: New and Eligible customers only. Bet restrictions, time limits and T&Cs apply.
Senegal vs Iraq betting tips & predictions
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Lions of Teranga Backed for Crucial Victory
Despite losses in their opening two matches against France and Norway, Senegal’s attacking output offers encouragement. They generated a combined 2.24 expected goals (xG) across those fixtures, finding the net against both formidable opponents.
This attacking competence is set against the backdrop of Iraq’s defensive vulnerabilities. Iraq have conceded 5.19 expected goals against (xGA), which ranks as the third-worst defensive record in the competition so far. Their inability to contain opposition attacks has been a consistent issue.
The betting markets have reacted strongly to the performances of both teams. Senegal, who opened with an implied win probability of 66.7%, are now priced with an implied chance of 82%, highlighting the expectation that they will dominate this encounter.
With a potential spot in the knockout rounds available for some third-placed teams, motivation will be high for Senegal to secure not just a win, but a comprehensive one to improve their goal difference.
Senegal vs Iraq tip 1: Senegal to Win @ 2/9
Underdogs Iraq to Show Attacking Intent
With nothing to lose, Iraq must adopt an aggressive approach to have any mathematical chance of qualification. This necessity for a win should translate into an open game where they commit players forward and create shooting opportunities.
While they were limited to just four shots against tournament favourites France, their match against Norway provides a more relevant benchmark. In that fixture, Iraq managed a total of 11 shots, and they are similarly priced in the match winner market for this game against Senegal.
Senegal’s own defensive data suggests they are susceptible to conceding chances. In their six matches since the conclusion of the Africa Cup of Nations, they have allowed seven or more shots on every occasion, conceding an average of 11.33 shots per game during that period.
Given the do-or-die nature of this final group match for both sides, the shot line for Iraq appears low. They have the incentive and have shown the capability against comparable opposition to register at least seven attempts on goal.
Senegal vs Iraq tip 2: Over 6.5 Shots For Iraq @ 8/11
Sarr Primed to Exploit Leaky Defence
Ismaila Sarr found his form in Senegal’s second group game, scoring twice against Norway after looking dangerous throughout the match. He appears to be the primary attacking threat for his side and is well-placed to continue his run against Iraq.
His individual statistics from the Norway match were particularly impressive. Sarr registered six shots in total and finished the game with an xG of 1.21, indicating he was getting into high-quality scoring positions. Overperforming that metric suggests he is in clinical form.
This fixture provides an ideal opportunity for him to add to his tally. Iraq have conceded seven goals in their opening two matches, and their high xGA figure confirms they afford their opponents plenty of clear-cut chances. Sarr’s pace and movement should allow him to take full advantage of Iraq’s defensive frailties.
Senegal vs Iraq tip 3: Ismaila Sarr to Score Anytime @ 6/4
