Where is the value in the group-stage match markets?

There is plenty to like about Uruguay as they have quality all over the pitch, so at a shade of odds-on they look good value to win their Group H opener with South Korea, who are not certain to have their talisman Heung-Min Son available.

USA have taken a talented, well-balanced squad to Qatar and I fancy they will start off with a win over Wales, who rely too much on Gareth Bale. Uruguay are my other main fancy against a South Korea side sweating on Heung-Min Son’s fitness.

Switzerland to beat Cameroon on matchday one in Group G. The Swiss know a winning start is key with Brazil and Serbia to come and they finished their recent Nations League campaign strongly, winning their final three games against Portugal, Spain and Czech Republic.

Switzerland beat Spain, Portugal and the Czech Republic in their last three Nations League fixtures and should be too strong for Cameroon in their Group G opener. The Swiss, who are around 4-5, reached the last eight at the Euros and won a qualifying group featuring European champions Italy.

On results that do not make sense. On results in the second round of fixtures that confound results in the first round and, especially, results in the third round that confound results in the second and first rounds. In the group stage anticipate some logicdefying outcomes.

Croatia to beat Morocco in their Group F opener. The runners-up from four years ago still contain some of the old guard but they have a nice blend and have beaten both France and Denmark recently. Morocco, meanwhile, have played few games against European opposition which won’t help them.