Australia (1 win, 0 draws, 0 losses) battles Nigeria (0-1-0) in the 2nd match for each Group B side. Kickoff Thursday from Suncorp Stadium is set for 6 a.m. ET (FS1). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Australia vs. Nigeria odds, and make our best Women’s World Cup bets, picks and predictions.
Australia, without arguably the best player in the tournament, F Sam Kerr (calf injury), beat Ireland 1-0 Thursday. It had 4 more shots and 1 more shot on target. The winning goal was a 52nd-minute penalty kick by D Stephanie Catley. Australia did control most of the match, holding possession for 63%. It sits 10th in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings.
Nigeria, which ranks 40th and is the lowest-ranked Group B side, drew Canada 0-0 Thursday despite being significantly outplayed on most fronts. It had 5 fewer shots, 2 fewer shots on goal and possession for a mere 33% of the match. Nigeria will also be without starting M Deborah Abiodun, who received a red card in the 98th minute of the opener.
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Australia vs. Nigeria odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 6:51 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Australia -210 (bet $210 to win $100) | Nigeria +600 (bet $100 to win $600) | Draw +310 (bet $100 to win $310)
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +110 | U: -155)
Australia vs. Nigeria picks and predictions
Prediction
Australia 2, Nigeria 0
Moneyline (ML)
PASS.
There’s not a lot of value here either way. Australia is a deeper and more talented side. Even without Kerr, it was able to win almost every facquet of the game against Ireland. Expect a similar match. With Nigeria down Abiodun, its midfield may take a hit, and even a draw isn’t worth the high payout.
If you are looking to play Australia, the better plan would be BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE – NO (-190). Nigeria struggled heavily to get through on Canada and may again find it difficult against an Australian side that will be both at home and allowed just 1 shot on got versus Ireland.
Over/Under (O/U)
BET UNDER 2.5 (-155).
Without Kerr, Australia’s offense should be able to produce, but asking it to score multiple times after it only netted a goal via a penalty kick in its opener is too much.
Similarly, its defense held firm, and Nigeria’s offense was nowhere to be found in its first match. Its defense didn’t have a one-off game. It has held its opponent to 1 or 0 goals in 5 of its last 6 matches.
Expect a strong showing from both defenses, just as they did in the 1st matchday. Take UNDER 2.5 (-155).
Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.
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