The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup group stage continues on Thursday with three matches set to play out across Australia and New Zealand. The headline fixture is the 8pm (AEST) clash at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane between Group B teams, Australia and Nigeria.
We take a look at the form of the two nations coming into Thursday night’s battle and provide our best betting tips below. Good luck to everyone following!
2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Betting Tips
Australia vs Nigeria
Thursday 8pm AEST, Suncorp Stadium (Brisbane)
This is the second match in Group B for both Australia and Nigeria, and what an important match it is. The Matildas can ensure their place in the knockout stages with a win, while three points for the Super Falcons would also go a long way for their chances of progressing.
Australia
Possible Lineup – Arnold; Carpenter, Hunt, Kennedy, Catley; Raso, Gorry, Cooney-Cross, Vine; Yallop, Foord
Australia got their campaign on home soil off to a positive start with a 1-0 win over the Republic of Ireland. The heavily favoured Matildas dominated possession (67%) but could only muster two shots on target and failed to score from either of them. However, a fortunate penalty which was converted by Stephanie Catley in the 52nd minute was enough to secure all three points.
Australia’s lack of polish in the final third in their opening game was in part due to superstar striker Sam Kerr being unable to play after picking up an untimely calf injury. Kerr will miss again this Thursday, as will young gun Mary Fowler who’s recovering from a concussion.
On the back of their opening win coupled with other favourable results in Group B, the Matildas can earn their place in the last 16 with a win on Thursday. This would allow them to potentially rest a couple of their key players in their third and final group stage match against Canada next week.
Nigeria
Possible Lineup – Nnadozie; Alozie, Ohale, Demehin, Plumptre; Ayinde, Ucheibe; Onumonu, Payne, Ajibade; Oshoala
Nigeria would be ecstatic with the manner in which they began their World Cup campaign. Despite being the $9 underdogs in their opening group game against Canada, the Super Falcons were able to keep a clean sheet and secure a point in a 0-0 draw.
Not only did the Nigerians defend well against the Canadians, they also posed a constant threat on the counter-attack, resulting in 10 shots at goal for the match. Barcelona striker Asisat Oshoala played as the deepest forward and was able to use her blistering pace on numerous occasions to get in behind the defence, but was ultimately unable to find the back of the net.
Nigeria were drawn into a group with two nations ranked in the top 10 in the world, but a draw in their opening match has given them a legitimate chance to progress through to the knockout phase. However, earning at least a point on Thursday night remains crucial.
Match Prediction
The Matildas will start their fixture against Nigeria as the hot favourites ($1.40) despite being without a couple of their key players including superstar captain Sam Kerr.
On paper, the Matildas clearly have the edge and the only way I can see them getting exploited is via long through balls to Asisat Oshoala on the counter-attack. If the Matildas are to eliminate this threat, they should be able to keep another clean sheet which would be their fourth in a row.
On the flip side, the Matildas will be hoping to create a few more clear-cut chances in the attacking third than they did against the Republic of Ireland, although doing so without both Kerr and Fowler will be difficult.
With all things considered, parlaying the Matildas to Win into the Under 3.5 Goals market looks to be the best bet available, although taking them to win to nil also appeals.
Alternate Bet: Australia Win to Nil – $2.06 (Betr)
Australia to Win & Under 3.5 Goals
$1.90
