Colombia v Ivory Coast tips, predictions, lineups and free bets (World Cup - Group C - June 18, 2014)

Wednesday, 18 June 2014 23:17
Written by Simon Bettarini

Colombia will take on Ivory Coast on Thursday for the World Cup Group C second round. Both teams won their first game and will be confident going into this clash. This article contains a complete COLOMBIA v IVORY COAST betting preview with tips, predictions, best odds, probable line-ups, free bets and no deposit bonuses on the match!

Betfred Mobile: £10 no deposit free bet (use your mobile device!)

COLOMBIA v IVORY COAST BETTING PREVIEW

Colombia cruised 3-1 past Greece in their first game, with goals from Pablo Armero, Teofilo Gutierrez and James Rodriguez. They are now unbeaten in their last eight matches, winning half of those games. Their only defeat in the last 13 outings came in a South American qualifier at Uruguay who were pretty desperate for the points at the time.

The South Americans will miss Carlos Bacca after the Sevilla striker suffered a leg muscle strain during training Sunday, and he’s expected to sit for the rest of the group stage. FC Inter's midfielder Guarin is available for selection following his return from suspension and could come into the starting XI at the expense of Carlos Sánchez alongside Abel Aguilar in midfield. Jackson Martinez will have to settle for a place on the bench once again.

The Ivory Coast didn’t start the game well against Japan and promptly fell behind 16 minutes into the game but they showed a lot of character to come back against Japan and win the match 2-1. Yaya Toure didn't play well, most likely due to the hamstring injury he suffered at the end of Manchester City’s title-winning campaign.

Elephants boss Sabri Lamouchi kept Drogba in reserve for the opening game with Japan. Despite his advancing years, he made an instant impact when he came on as the Ivorians got back into things without him scoring. Arthur Boka is available after returning to training despite limping off with a calf problem against Japan but they will be without striker Didier Ya Konan who suffered a knee injury.

12 of Ivory Coast's last 13 matches finished with both teams to score. So, this match promises to have goals at either end, and a tough game for both teams.

COLOMBIA v IVORY COAST PROBABLE LINEUPS

Colombia (4-5-1): Ospina; Zapata, Yepes, Sanchez, Armero; Zuniga, Aguilar, Rodriguez, Cuadrado, Ibarbo; Gutierrez.

Ivory Coast (4-3-3): Barry; Boka, Aurier, Serey, Bamba; Zokora, Tioté, Yaya Touré; Gervinho, Kalou, Bony.