France and Argentina could be vulnerable in the group stages

We can be fairly certain that all eight favourites will not finish top of their groups. Football is not that predictable and, while the likes of France and Argentina might go through to the last sixteen stage, it’s perfectly possible that they could finish second in their section. After all, Les Bleus only finished second to Serbia in qualifying for the 2010 World Cup finals and were dealt a recent blow when Lassana Diarra was ruled out.

Although there are three favourites who should win their World Cup groups

However, perhaps it’s worth considering a multiple bet on some of the shorter-priced teams to win their group. England were the highest-scoring team during European qualifying and they should have the beating of USA, Slovenia and Algeria. The Americans finished top of their section to get to South Africa, although there are question marks over the fitness of several defenders.

The Netherlands are the second team to feature in this multiple bet. It was a perfect qualification for Bert van Marwijk’s team and they deserve to be odds-on in a group which includes Denmark, Cameroon and Japan. Two of the star performers during the Champions League final were Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben, with Robin Van Persie sure to be a goalscoring threat for the Dutch.

Our final selection for this treble is Spain. The Euro 2008 winners are hoping that Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas will be fit for the opening match, although they should easily beat Switzerland without this pair, especially as the team contains many Barcelona players that help form arguably the best team in Europe. Keeping the ball at altitude will be critical, with Xavi and Iniesta sure to help their side retain lots of possession.

RECOMMENDATION: ENGLAND, HOLLAND AND SPAIN TREBLE @ ODDS 2.75 WITH BET365

England and USA could prove far too strong for Slovenians and Algerians

Sticking with Fabio Capello’s team, we like the way that the Italian has instilled a winning mentality and that should be enough to finish head and shoulders above other Group C opponents. However, rather than back England at short odds to win the section, it might be worth considering a straight forecast bet which involves the USA finishing in second place.

The States are an athletic team who finished top of the North, Central America and Caribbean qualifying section, losing just two of their ten matches. It’s also worth noting that they beat Spain twelve months ago in the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup and this experienced team could have too much for the other two opponents in the group. The fact that they face England first might not be such a bad thing, especially as opening matches are notoriously cagey.

RECOMMENDATION: ENGLAND – USA IN STRAIGHT FORECAST @ ODDS 2.88 WITH BET365

Serbians could prove strong against Germany, Ghana and Australia

One of the most interesting World Cup sections is Group D, where all four teams will fancy their chances of making it through to the last sixteen stage. While Germany are the strong favourites and have an excellent pedigree in major competitions, they will be without captain and star player Michael Ballack, something which manager Joachim Loew concedes is a big blow.

While the Germans won their World Cup qualifying group, the same applies to Serbia, a team that might be underrated by the bookmakers due to the fact that the country have only operated individually since 2006. Since becoming independent, the side have made great strides and finished comfortably ahead of France to book their place at South Africa. With Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic and Manchester United’s Nemanja Vidic forming a rock-like partnership at the back, we shouldn’t expect many goals to be conceded. They also managed 22 in 10 qualifying games and should be backed to qualify.

GROUP D – SERBIA TO QUALIFY @ ODDS 2.00 at Bet365