Prediction: Senegal vs Colombia

Verdict: Away win

Best Odds: 17/20

Bookmaker: William Hill

If Japan take at least one point from their final group fixture against bottom-placed Poland, Senegal and Colombia will be vying for the second place in the knockout stages, with Lions of Teranga currently one point in front.

Senegal

Senegal are making only their second appearance at the World Cup finals, but it has to be noted that the African side largely impressed on their debut, reaching the quarter-finals at the 2002 tournament in Japan and South Korea. Having failed to qualify three times in a row, the Lions of Teranga are determined to make the most of the opportunity that presented itself and they have so far fared really well in Russia.

Senegal first defeated Poland in their opening fixture, scoring goals either side of a half-time break before holding on after Grzegorz Krychowiak had decreased the deficit late on. The Lions of Teranga then completely outclassed Japan, but eventually had to settle for a 2-2 draw after twice squandering a one-goal lead. As a result, they need one more point to secure their place in the last 16 stage, while a win would probably see them win the first place in Group H.

Team News

There have been no reported selection problems in the Senegal camp, but Cheikhou Kouyate and Mame Biram Diouf are pushing for starting places.

Colombia

Colombia arrived in Russia high on spirits after reaching the quarter-finals at the 2014 World Cup, while a third-place finish at the 2016 Copa America Centenario also served as a welcome boost. Los Cafeteros did well to secure an automatic qualifying berth for the 2018 tournament in spite of the poor finish of the qualifying campaign, and they also showed some promise in the warm-up games, notably beating France on the road.

Jose Pekerman’s side unfortunately had a poor start to the tournament finals as they were a man and a goal down within 6 minutes of their opening fixture, and they ended up losing the Japan game despite putting up a real fight. Colombia then showed massive improvement to hammer Poland 3-0 some three days ago as Cuadrado, Quintero, Rodriguez and Falcao ran the show, so there are no doubts Los Cafeteros will be up for the Senegal challenge, where three points will guarantee them a place in the next stage.

Team News

Carlos Sanchez returns after serving a one-match ban, while Juan Quintero and James Rodriguez will keep their places in the side.

Key Factors to Consider

• Senegal will go through with a win or draw
• Colombia need a win to progress to the next stage
• Los Cafeteros have a win and a draw in two recent meetings with Senegal
• They scored 2 goals in both of those matches
• Colombia kept three clean sheets in last four

Conclusion

Senegal were pretty fortunate to defeat Poland and having failed to defeat weak Japan, we believe the Lions of Teranga will struggle to match exciting Colombia side who have been on the rise of late.

Verdict: Away win

Best Odds: 17/20

Bookmaker: William Hill