Michaelson’s picks

Just by taking a glance at Roberto Martinez’s Belgium squad, one gets the sense that they are the overwhelming favourites to emerge as Group G winners ahead of European counterparts England, minnows Panama, and African heavyweights Tunisia.

This evening Belgium and Panama open proceedings in the group. The star-studded Europeans boast mega-stars such as Manchester City duo Kevin de Bruyne and Vincent Kompany (presently injured), Romelu Lukaku, Tottenham Hotspur’s Mousa Dembele, Chelsea pair Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtios – a few names who, on paper, are a match for anyone.

Belgium are likely to beat Panama and are earmarked as one of the nations who are expected to be a big threat in Russia. Pool code: S6 V2 P1 M1: Sweden v South Korea. A share of spoils. Tip: Draw = 2. M2: Belgium v Panama. Previewed above. Belgium to win it. Tip: Win = 1. M3: GAIS Göteborg v Degerfors IF. Home side set for the win. Tip: Win = 1. M4: Tunisia v England. All points for Tunisia. Tip: Win = 1. M5: Independiente del Valle v Deportivo Cuenca. Del Valle will snatch it. Tip: Win = 1. M6: Colombia v Japan. Colombia will find a way. Tip: Win = 1. Bet on this pool and TAB’s other football pools – go to citizen.co.za and click on the Racing Express Hot Tips of the Day/Place Your Bet Now link to open a betting account with TAB. We’ll make it easy for you to start cashing in on your football knowledge.