Predictions 12 – 16.01.2024
Newcastle United vs Manchester City | Premier League
13/01/2024 17:30
Prediction: 1-2
An exciting match is on the horizon at the Newcastle United stadium, a crucial fixture for the home team in desperate need of a victory to shift their dynamics. Conversely, Manchester City is also eager for points to maintain their position at the top.
Newcastle, currently in 9th place, has faced setbacks, having been eliminated from the Champions League. They must redirect their focus toward reclaiming European positions, especially after enduring six defeats in their last nine Premier League matches—a concerning trend for the team. In their recent home game, they unexpectedly lost to Nottingham Forest by 1-3, snapping a positive streak of seven consecutive home victories. It becomes imperative for them to halt any potential negative trend at home, a domain that was previously one of their strengths.
On the other side, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, positioned 3rd and trailing the leader Liverpool by 5 points (with a game in hand), is in a resurgence. Overcoming a November-December slump, they have secured three wins in their last four games, putting them back in contention for the top spot. While not posting spectacular numbers, they share the title of the best away team in the league with Liverpool. However, it’s worth noting that their last visit to this stadium resulted in an EFL Cup elimination in September with a 1-0 defeat.
Some statistical highlights include Newcastle United seeing over 2.5 goals in 7 of their last 9 games, while Manchester City finished over 2.5 goals in 7 of their last 8 games. Moreover, in the last 5 direct duels at St James Park between Newcastle and Manchester City, there were over 2.5 goals scored.
These statistics suggest a potential for an entertaining and high-scoring match, setting the stage for a captivating clash between Newcastle United and Manchester City.
Ivory Coast vs Guinea-Bissau | Africa Cup of Nations
13/01/2024 20:00
Prediction: 4-0
This Saturday marks the start of the 34th edition of the African Cup of Nations, officially named the African Cup of Nations 2023, hosted in Ivory Coast. The opening match features the host team against Guinea-Bissau. On paper, Ivory Coast is expected to secure a comfortable victory against the relatively weaker Guinea-Bissau side. Ivory Coast boasts an impressive track record with two runner-up finishes and two titles, the most recent of which was achieved in 2015.
The contrasting preparation results further highlight the potential disparity between the two teams, with Ivory Coast securing a convincing 5-1 win against Sierra Leone, while Guinea-Bissau suffered a comprehensive 6-2 defeat to Mali. The Ivorian team boasts a roster of talented players including Ibrahim Sangaré, Franck Kessié, Jonathan Bamba, Jérémie Boga, Sébastien Haller, Karim Konaté, Christian Kouamé, Oumar Diakitéo, and Nicolas Pépé.
Playing on home stadium adds another layer of advantage for Ivory Coast, and their recent form is noteworthy, having won their last three games and scoring a total of 16 goals in the process. Conversely, Guinea-Bissau concluded their preparation with a loss against Mali. Ivory Coast’s rich history in the competition, having reached the final on four occasions and winning twice, further solidifies their status as favorites in this opening fixture.
Senegal vs Gambia | Africa Cup of Nations
15/01/2024 14:00
Prediction: 4-0
The upcoming derby between Senegal and Gambia holds a unique significance, as the two nations share profound connections in terms of culture, ethnicity, geography, economy, and, of course, sports. Senegal, being the largest and most populous country, has enjoyed more success on the sporting stage, including winning the last African Cup of Nations. However, in the capital of the Ivory Coast, Yamoussoukro, there is a palpable sense of competition as Gambia is experiencing significant growth.
Gambia boasts players who either currently play or have played in major European leagues or reputable second-tier leagues like Turkey or the Netherlands. Notable figures include Minteh of Feyenoord, captain Colley of Besiktas, and Long of Sampdoria. While Senegal maintains a superior squad, the challenge lies in sustaining their success, especially with some players opting for moves to Arabian leagues.
- Senegal is the reigning champion.
- Senegal’s most prominent players currently compete in Saudi Arabia.
- Gambia is on the rise and reached the quarterfinals in the last edition of the African Cup of Nations.
- The group is highly competitive, with Guinea and Cameroon as the other two opponents.
Cameroon vs Guinea | Africa Cup of Nations
15/01/2024 17:00
Prediction: 1-0
In Yamoussoukro, a balanced match is anticipated between Cameroon and Guinea, marking the first day of the Africa Cup of Nations in Group C. This group, featuring Senegal and Gambia, is highly competitive, leaving no room for mistakes. Most players, including reserves, on both teams have ties to France, either in their current roles or as part of their youth careers. Guinea, in particular, has several players with French connections.
Cameroon boasts a more competitive squad, with the only uncertainty surrounding Onana’s condition, who played just a day earlier for Manchester United against Tottenham. Guinea, on the other hand, faces a challenge with goalkeepers of a seemingly inferior level, as demonstrated in their recent defeat against Botswana, where the starting goalkeeper, Kone, hails from the Maltese championship. While Guinea has notable talents like Guirassy, Diakhaby, and Naby Keita, the question remains: will it be enough?
- Cameroon finished fourth in the last Africa Cup of Nations, losing in the semi-final on penalties to Egypt.
- Guinea was eliminated in the round of 16 by Gambia.
- Cameroon has an overall higher-level squad, especially in goal, despite certain deficiencies.
- Guinea has won only one of their last four competitive matches.
Algeria vs Angola | Africa Cup of Nations
15/01/2024 20:00
Prediction: 3-0
The Africa Cup of Nations marks the commencement of Algeria’s campaign, positioning them as one of the top contenders in the competition. Arriving in Ivory Coast with ambitions, the challenge lies in translating these aspirations onto the field, a feat they haven’t consistently achieved in recent times. Although formidable, Angola is not considered on par with Algeria, making the latter the clear favorite according to bookmakers. However, with this favoritism comes the burden of heightened expectations. Sharing Group D with Mauritania and Burkina Faso, the Algerians, at least on paper, should exert influence.
The importance of a strong start cannot be overstated, as a stumble could set off a negative spiral jeopardizing progress in subsequent stages of the competition.
Algeria’s prowess was further underscored in the World Cup qualifiers, where they clinched victories in both matches crucial for securing a spot in the tournament. A 3-1 triumph at home against Somalia and a 2-0 victory away in Mozambique showcased their dominance.
Conversely, Angola faced tougher luck in their World Cup qualifying matches, managing draws in both encounters. The matches against Cape Verde and Mauritius, played on foreign soil, concluded with a goalless stalemate, emphasizing the challenges the team encountered on the road to the global football spectacle.
Mali vs South Africa | Africa Cup of Nations
16/01/2024 20:00
Prediction: 2-1
This stands out as one of the most intriguing matches on the first day of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations. The clash between Mali and South Africa, grouped with Tunisia and Namibia, forms a quartet with forces on the field that are challenging to delineate. The Mali national team is currently on an upward trajectory, displaying good form. In the last two editions of the Africa Cup of Nations, they consistently advanced past the initial round, achieving their peak in the 2012-2013 two-year period where they secured third place in both years. Although perhaps not reaching that specific pinnacle, the “Eagles” remain squad rich in talent, with many players showcasing their skills in Ligue 1, and others, like Bissouma in Tottenham and Coulibaly of Salernitana (who scored in the 6-2 friendly win against Guinea), expanding their prowess.
In contrast, South Africa’s once glorious past, notably their championship in 1996 and subsequent second and third-place finishes, seems distant. Recent years have seen Bafana Bafana struggle, failing to qualify in two of the last three editions. However, the team’s recent friendlies against African national teams have yielded positive results, sparking hope in the southern part of the continent. This optimism adds to the anticipation of this challenging initial encounter.
Mali enters the game with an impressive record, securing 6 wins and 2 draws in their last 8 matches, including friendly encounters. Notably, 17 Mali players, actively present in the last friendly victory against Guinea (6-2), ply their trade in European leagues.
On the other hand, South Africa has had a less triumphant recent record, winning only 1 of their last 5 matches. Their struggles are further highlighted by failing to qualify in 2 of the last 3 editions of the Cup. Mali boasts a formidable scoring record, notching up a total of 24 goals in their last 13 matches played. All these elements set the stage for what promises to be a highly contested and compelling opening match.
