Best World Cup Player Props Predictions for June 17

Important:

If you intend to follow our World Cup player prop picks, we advise you to wait for the lineups to make sure the players targeted are going to start the match. We provide our tips earlier to give you enough time to prepare, but staying patient and checking the starters is pivotal for player props.

Portugal vs. DR Congo: Bruno Fernandez to Score or Assist and Portugal 4+ Corners

Portugal starts the World Cup against DR Congo today, with the European team a clear favorite to win. The underdogs have a stingy defense that did well in qualifying, but they haven’t faced such an elite opponent in a while.

The African side needs to find a way to stop a team full of dangerous forwards and one of the best playmakers in the world in Bruno Fernandez. The Manchester United captain just broke the assists record in the English Premier League and will be full of confidence coming into the World Cup.

Fernandez can create for others or score himself, and he’s also the guy taking corners and other set pieces for Portugal. He should be the key to unlocking DR Congo’s defense, so I expect him to deliver a goal contribution in this match.

To beef the odds a bit, I’ve taken a Lucky Rebel special that combines the bet with Portugal having 4+ corners. The team should dominate possession and they’ve had 5+ corners in four of the last five games played, so they should cover the line with ease.

England vs. Croatia: Kovacic to Be Shown a Card (+290)

The clash between England and Croatia will tell us a lot about both sides. I’m particularly curious to see how the midfield battle goes, as controlling games is always critical at the World Cup.

England should have the upper hand in the middle of the park, as Croatia’s team still relies on veterans that might not have the energy required to control the tempo. Modric is 40 and Perisic is 37, so the rest of the team will need to do a lot of running to make up.

That’s especially true for Mateo Kovacic, who will be one of the younger players at 32. Furthermore, the midfielder didn’t play that much for Man City this season, so he should be fresh for the World Cup.

Still, Kovacic will likely face tough spots in transition against England. I fully expect him to commit some fouls when that happens, so a booking is certainly a viable option. Furthermore, he has the habit to go hard for 50-50 balls, sometimes crossing the line and getting punished for reckless tackles.

Another reason I like the +290 odds on Kovacic to receive a card is the referee. Clement Turpin will be officiating this one, and he likes the spotlight. I don’t think he’ll miss the opportunity to lash out some cards if the players give him the chance, making this one of the best World Cup player props today.