Four picks today across four fascinating matchups, in which I expect lots of goals. Tournament form is coming into sharper focus, and the value windows are starting to close. Get in early.
Read on for my goal scorer picks today, including Donyell Malen, Alexander Isak, Yan Diomandé and Daizen Maeda.
World Cup Goal Scorer Picks Today
Sweden vs Netherlands Goal Scorer Picks
| Sweden Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+0.5 +120 | 2.5 -115o / -110u | +380 |
| Netherlands Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-0.5 -150 | 2.5 -115o / -110u | -140 |
Alexander Isak Anytime Goalscorer vs. Netherlands (+220)
This game is going to have goals and Isak is the great bet to score one of them. Isak was outstanding in Sweden’s 5-1 demolition of Tunisia on Matchday 1, scoring a brilliant solo goal and registering two assists. Now he faces a Netherlands defense that conceded twice in their 2-2 draw with Japan on Matchday 1, with both Japanese goals coming on the counter. Sweden will counter. Isak will run in behind.
After an injury-ridden season, he’s looking to prove he should once again be considered one of the most feared strikers in football. At +220, you’re getting plus money on a player who already has a goal and two assists in one game. Oh, and he’ll be going up against his Liverpool teammates Virgil Van Dijk and Cody Gakpo. He can really hurt the leaky Dutch defense.
Donyell Malen Anytime Goalscorer vs. Sweden (+165)
I like this spot for Malen. The Roma attacker scored 14 goals in 18 appearances after arriving in January — setting a new Serie A record for the most goals ever scored by a January signing. He registered two shots on target in Matchday 1 against Japan, a game the Netherlands ultimately drew 2-2, showing both teams can create chances.
Sweden’s defense has been known to concede, as they let Tunisia in multiple times before running away with a 5-1 scoreline. Malen is the kind of direct, clinical forward who punishes any space behind. +165 is a solid number for a player that will have opportunities to make his mark on the tournament in this match.
Ivory Coast vs Germany Goal Scorer Pick
| Ivory Coast Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -185 | 2.5 -150o / 125u | +475 |
| Germany Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +145 | 2.5 -150o / 125u | -185 |
Yan Diomandé to Score or Assist (+275)
The 19-year-old highly sought-after attacker is looking to show out at this World Cup to increase the demand for his services from some of the top clubs in Europe. Against Ecuador — a side that conceded just five goals in 18 qualifying matches — Diomandé had 12 touches inside Ecuador’s box while creating a match-high five chances, including two big chances.
He was a constant menace down Ivory Coast’s right flank, drawing defenders and unlocking space that led to Amad Diallo’s 90th-minute winner. Now he gets Germany, a side that conceded in their opener against Curaçao before running away with a 7-1 drubbing. This is a game where both teams have firepower and both defenses have shown vulnerability. At +275 for a goal or assist, Diomandé is the most mispriced player on the board today. Back the teenager gave Germany some problems
Japan vs Tunisia Goal Scorer Pick
| Japan Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-0.5 -200 | 2.5 110o / -140u | -190 |
| Tunisia Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+0.5 +155 | 2.5 110o / -140u | +600 |
Daizen Maeda Goal or Assist vs. Tunisia (+170)
Tunisia is in crisis. They were humiliated 5-1 by Sweden on Matchday 1 and have since fired their manager. Against a Japan side that played some excellent football in a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands, Maeda led all players in that match with 66 sprints, which is an output that shows his relentless attacking threat.
For Celtic this season, he scored 14 goals in 36 Scottish Premiership appearances and 16 goals across all competitions, winning the PFA Scotland Player of the Year award. He was subbed off in the 60th minute against the Netherlands without a major impact on the scoresheet, meaning he arrives today with something to prove against a Tunisia side that has a new manager, no confidence, and no answers. At +170, back the Celtic winger to make his mark.
