African Cup of Nations - Group Stage Betting Tips

Forget the World Cup, on the continent of Africa, there is one tournament that means even more to them than making the World Cup and that is the African Cup of Nations, during the group stages of the competition we find that their are often a number of shock results during the competition. Where these shocks will come, we don't know. However, in 2021, Malawi got a draw against Senegal, Cape Verde held Cameroon and Comoros beat Ghana! So anything can happen.

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What are we tipping for the group stages of the Africa Cup of Nations? Where will the shocks come? Find out below.

African Cup of Nations - Matchday 2 Tips

The first round of fixtures in the 2023 African Cup of Nations came to its conclusion on Wednesday and, with the groups beginning to take shape after a match for each team, it is time to look to the second set of games.

There are some big ties set to take place over the second group stage fixtures including a heavyweight clash between seven-time winners Egypt and four-time champions Ghana, after both made disappointing starts to their campaigns, and a mouthwatering Group A tussle that will see hosts Ivory Coast take on a star-studded Nigeria.

We have you covered with our three best tips for the second round of games, beginning with that must-watch tie between the Elephants and the Super Eagles.

Ivory Coast to beat Nigeria @ 23/20

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Ivory Coast put in a professional performance to shake off any pressure they may have felt being the hosts of this tournament when beating Guinea-Bissau 2-0 in their opening game, and they can carry that form into this fixture against Nigeria on Thursday.

The Super Eagles could only manage a 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea in their opener, which is not as surprising as it may seem given that their preparation for Afcon saw them draw 1-1 with low-ranked sides Zimbabwe and Lesotho and lose 2-0 to Guinea.

Nigeria have some big issues at the back - especially in the goalkeeper department where all of their options are prone to high-profile errors - and have kept just one clean sheet in their last eight games.

Ivory Coast have won four matches on the bounce and scored 18 goals in that run, suggesting their prolific attack will punish a shaky Super Eagles defence and earn another three points for the rampant Elephants.

Both teams to score in Egypt vs Ghana @ 11/8

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Later on Thursday, two sides who made disappointing starts to their African Cup of Nations campaigns will be looking to make amends in Abidjan.

Egypt needed a stoppage-time penalty to rescue a point against Mozambique in their opener whilst Ghana were beaten 2-1 by Cape Verde as their poor form under Chris Hughton continued.

The defence for both of these teams proved to be the biggest issue in their opening fixtures, with easily-avoidable goals being conceded by the Pharaohs and Black Stars, although their attacks can still be prolific especially with Mohamed Salah and Mohammed Kudus on the pitch for Egypt and Ghana respectively.

Both sides have scored in three of the last five meetings between these sides and, with both teams desperate to get their first win of the tournament and weak backlines in place for each nation, the same outcome should be backed on Thursday.

Senegal to beat Cameroon and over 1.5 goals @ 9/5

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Reigning African Cup of Nations champions Senegal made the perfect start to their title-defence on Monday, beating Gambia 3-0, and they should continue that form against Cameroon who could only manage a 1-1 draw with Guinea, despite their opponents playing with ten-men for the entirety of the second half.

The champions were excellent and professional in their opener and should overpower the Indomitable Lions on Friday.

The return of Andre Onana between the sticks for Cameroon will not be enough to stop a star-studded Senegal attack - that has scored nine goals in the nation’s last five games - from running riot in Yamoussoukro.

Expect at least a couple of goals in this match, with Sadio Mane and Lamine Camara the likeliest scorers for the Lions of Teranga, as the champions make it six points from six as they bid to become the first consecutive African Cup of Nations winners since 2010.

Africa Cup of Nations Matchday 1 Tips

The Africa Cup of Nations gets under way on Saturday, with hosts Ivory Coast taking on Guinea-Bissau in the opener.

There is plenty of competitive action for punters to get their teeth into during the first matchday and we have picked out the best bets for the first matchday of the tournament.

Tip 1 - Ivory Coast to beat Guinea-Bissau and over 2.5 goals @ 11/10

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The Africa Cup of Nations has a reputation as a low-scoring tournament, 100 goals were scored in 52 games of the last edition, but the opening matchup could be an entertaining affair.

Guinea-Bissau have scored in five of their last six matches and could get on the scoresheet against the hosts Ivory Coast.

The Elephants’ last five games have produced 21 goals so do not discount a high-scoring first game. They will want to make a statement in their opener and they have plenty of attacking talents, so much so that Wilfried Zaha missed out on making their squad.

Sebastian Haller looks likely to lead the line and this could be a good opportunity for the Borussia Dortmund striker to find the net.

Take the home side to win a game that also has three or more goals.

Tip 2 - Ghana to beat Cape Verde @ 17/20

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Ghana have a talented squad and should have enough to see off Cape Verde in their opening matchup on Sunday.

The Black Stars can count the Ayew brothers, Antoine Semenyo and Mohammed Kudus among their ranks and look likely to have the measure of a Cape Verde side that lost to Togo and Comoros last year.

Chris Hughton’s side look too strong on paper and many of their opponents’ squad are also approaching veteran status so side with Ghana to come out on top in this clash.

Tip 3 - Guinea or draw double chance v Cameroon @ 10/13

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Cameroon are priced up as favourites when they meet Guinea in their first group game on Monday but they may be worth taking on at their odds.

The Indomitable Lions only won three of their eight matches in 2023 and lost to Namibia in qualifying for this tournament.

Rigobert Song’s men also drew with Libya in a recent World Cup qualifier and have been dealt a significant blow for their hopes in this year’s competition as Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo misses out through injury.

They take on a Guinea side that is littered with plenty of top level talent and could secure something of a shock.

Naby Keita is the standout performer for the National Elephants but plenty of their players play in the top five leagues in Europe, including RB Leipzig’s Ilaix Moriba, Montpellier’s Issiaga Sylla and Serhou Guirassy, who has been a revelation at Stuttgart this season, netting 17 times in 14 games. Guinea are fancied to avoid defeat in this clash.

Back our Matchday One Treble at 23/4

A dramatic Africa Cup of Nations group stage that saw shock early exits for the likes of Ghana and Tunisia concluded on Wednesday and attention now turns to the knockout stage in the Ivory Coast.

The last-16 action begins on Saturday with two surprise packages, Angola and Namibia, facing off before Nigeria clash with Cameroon in what promises to be one of the ties of the round.

However, the headline act of the first knockout round actually takes place on Monday, when hosts Ivory Coast, who were hugely disappointing in the group stage, meet reigning champions Senegal.

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations has already provided shocks aplenty and the round of 16 is likely to give us even more.

If the group stage is anything to go by then the first knockout round could be trappy for bettors, but we have come up with three selections which could pay dividends.

Tip 1 - Nigeria to beat Cameroon @ 11/10

Nigeria drew their opening match against Equatorial Guinea and panic stations were manned immediately.

However, fast forward a week and that point actually reads well for the Super Eagles as their opening opponents went on to top Group A and beat hosts Ivory Coast 4-0.

Nigeria won their following two matches 1-0 and actually recorded the best expected-goals-against figure (1.28) of any side in the group stage. That defensive fortitude could prove pivotal in a historically low-scoring tournament.

Cameroon needed some late heroics to overcome Gambia and book their place in the round of 16, and there wasn't that much to be positive about in the Indomitable Lions' group-stage performances.

They failed to beat Guinea, who were reduced to ten men for over half of the game, in their opener before being dominated by Senegal and outshout 15-13 in their late win over Gambia, who ended on zero points.

Nigeria are the stronger of the two sides and their defensive solidity could provide the foundations for their exceptional attack to build on and progress deep into the tournament.

Tip 2 - Both teams to score in Egypt v DR Congo @ 6/5

Like Cameroon, Egypt relied heavily on late heroics to reach the knockout stage, equalising late on against Mozambique before saving their best efforts for the final 20 minutes in their next two games against Ghana and Cape Verde.

The Pharaohs rode their luck and drew all three of their group games 2-2 and, in the absence of star man Mohamed Salah, they could be found wanting.

However, they are still the most successful side in Afcon history, so they should not be written off just yet, and backing both teams to score may be the best approach for their last-16 clash with DR Congo.

Given Egypt shared four goals in each of their group games, it looks likely there will be plenty of goalmouth action.

Both sides have found the net in three of DR Congo's last four games so it could pay to bank on further entertainment when they meet Egypt.

Tip 3 - Ivory Coast draw no bet against Senegal @ 7/5

It would take a leap of faith to back Ivory Coast after their 4-0 humbling at the hands of Equatorial Guinea in their final group match, but the Elephants are not without hope against Senegal.

They made the bold decision to sack manager Jean-Louis Gasset following that defeat and it could yet work in their favour if star men Jeremie Boga and Franck Kessie improve under the new leadership.

The tournament hosts showed some signs of promise in the group stage, even winning the shot count against Equatorial Guinea 22-10, and they could spring a surprise on the reigning champions on Monday.

Senegal won all of their group matches but they certainly did not blow any of their three victims away. They managed only two more shots than Gambia in their opener despite their opponents being reduced to ten men for the entire of the second half, and the Lions of Teranga could be troubled by Ivory Coast.

With Gasset's time at the helm over the home supporters could get back behind the Elephants, which could prove vital given that the host nation has won 11 of the previous 33 editions of the tournament.

Senegal’s threats are obvious so backing Ivory Coast in the draw-no-bet market appeals most.

Five Transfers that could happen during January Window

The January Transfer Window is open, allowing clubs across the world to obtain necessary reinforcements or trim down overloaded squads in readiness for the remainder of the season ahead.

Some big names could be finding new homes in the winter window, with Ivan Toney linked with an Arsenal move and free agent David De Gea potentially returning to the Premier League with Newcastle showing an interest.

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Here are five of the possible transfers that the Premier League could see in the coming month, as well as the odds for the clubs who are favourites for their signature.

Aaron Ramsdale to Chelsea @ 3/1

Mikel Arteta’s decision to sign David Raya on loan from Brentford has been met with scrutiny for the majority of the season.

Thoughts at the start of the campaign were that there would be rotation at the number 1 spot, however just one appearance since Raya’s debut in the league indicates Aaron Ramsdale may no longer be Arteta’s preferred choice.

After a magnificent debut season at the club last year, there will undoubtedly be many suitors for the England international should he decide to leave the club, with Chelsea usurping Newcastle as the bookies favourites for his signature.

ADD Aaron Ramsdale to Chelsea to your betslip

Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich @ 11/10

Palhinha saw a deadline-day move to German champions Bayern Munich collapse in the summer window, with a failure to complete negotiations in time to register his signature.

Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel maintains a firm interest in the Portuguese holding midfielder, who has once again proved to be a pivotal cog in Fulham’s defensive wheel this season.

European football and playing for a world-renowned club will likely be major pulling factors for Palhinha, particularly as he looks to secure a spot in the national side with the European Championships approaching in the summer. ADD Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich to your betslip

Kalvin Phillips to Juventus @ 11/10

The move from Leeds United to Manchester City has not proved to be successful for Kalvin Phillips, who has featured just 16 times in the league since his 2022 signing.

Phillips struggled to usurp Rodri in the City midfield, and will likely need to secure a move away to guarantee a spot in Gareth Southgate’s European Championship squad.

Italian giants Juventus are current favourites for his services, with Newcastle and Fulham also named to have an interest.

ADD Kalvin Phillips to Juventus to your betslip

Jadon Sancho to Borussia Dortmund @ 2/1

Sancho’s belief that he has been made a scapegoat at Manchester United combined with the fractious relationship with Erik Ten Hag means that the Englishman’s time at Old Trafford is likely up.

Former employers Borussia Dortmund are thought to have retained an interest in bringing him back to Signal Iduna Park, and Sancho will have fond memories of his previous spell there.

A move would benefit both parties as it would free up funds for United to pursue more attacking options, with the club scoring just 22 goals in the league all season.

Following an update to Jadon Sancho’s move to Borussia Dortmund, this betting market has been suspended.

Douglas Luiz to Liverpool @ 7/1

Luiz is a fan favourite at Villa Park, with the Brazilian in inspired form for high-flying Aston Villa.

His form has only increased speculation that Big Six clubs will look to splash the cash on the 25-year old, with Liverpool the current favourites.

The Reds are in need of midfield depth to continue their title push, and taking a key player from a fellow title challenger could be the move that gives them the edge to regain the league title.

ADD Douglas Luiz to Liverpool to your betslip

Kempton Lanzarote Hurdle Day

Kempton’s January meeting over jumps comes along this weekend with a packed day of Premier Racing action.

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Saturday’s card runs from 12:20-15:50 and includes a big handicap in the form of the Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle (14:42) and we even have Grade 2 action with the Silviniaco Conti Chase (14:07)

Charlie Sharp assesses the action across the card and picks out our best bets.

12:20 - Play Coral 'Racing-Super-Series' For Free Juvenile Hurdle (2m)

SIR GINO ran out a convincing 14-length winner in his sole start which came over course and distance in December. That performance saw the Nicky Henderson-trained runner installed to the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival as the 6/1 ante-post second favourite. This looks a suitable opportunity for him to remain unbeaten and enhance his Prestbury Park credentials.

Selection: Sir Gino

12:50 - Coral Get Closer To The Action Novices' Hurdle (2m)

Goodwin comes into the race with the strongest credentials and that is reflected in his mark of 125. However, JUNKANOO may reverse the form after losing to his rival at Plumpton in December, where Goodwin won by two lengths. Junkanoo receives 6lb in weight for this race at Kempton and his run behind Dodiethegreat was backed up as good form when the latter finished second at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day.

Selection: Junkanoo

13:30 - New Bet-In-Race With Coral Handicap Chase (3m)

CAP DU NORD has landed multiple big-money prize pots in England, including a Grade 3 Handicap Chase over course and distance in February 2022. The Christian Williams-trained runner hasn’t been seen to great effect so far this season, but he is now down to a mark of 121, which is lenient for a staying chaser of his quality.

Selection: Cap Du Nord

14:07 - Coral Silviniaco Conti Chase (Grade 2, 2m4½f)

EDWARDSTONE has been the second-best two-mile British chaser for the past two years and Alan King has waved the white flag against Jonbon and conceded defeat, stating “we can’t beat Jonbon”. So the Ryanair is the Cheltenham Festival target and this race is the first test to see if King’s runner can stay the extra half mile. Over two miles, he always seemed like a horse that would get further and if he can get the better of serial Grade 2-winner Pic D’Orhy, he throws himself right into the mix for the Ryanair in March.

Selection: Edwardstone

14:42 - Coral Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle (2m5f)

GOOD LUCK CHARM has begun this season in fine form, having won at Wincanton on seasonal reappearance and coming third in a mares’ handicap hurdle at Cheltenham in December. She got caught on her toes that day as the winner and runner-up kicked away, and the Cheltenham hill was too much for her to stay on stronger than Nurse Susan. Kempton is a flat track and the Anthony Honeyball-runner is well treated off a mark of 117.

Selection: Good Luck Charm

15:15 - Coral Racing Club Join For Free Handicap Chase (2m 4½f)

Pepe Le Moko looks like a horse going places this season. He was impressive when winning on chase debut at Warwick on his return to action and it was another creditable effort when narrowly denied at Plumpton. The handicapper has taken a chance with him, just raising him 3lb and he can continue to give a good account.

Selection: Pepe Le Moko

15:50 - Coral Committed To Safer-Gambling Handicap Hurdle (2m)

RARE EDITION was fairly beaten on seasonal reappearance by under a length and was a bit keen in the early stages. With the run under his belt, this 2023 Supreme Novice Hurdle runner can expose his mark of 136 to finish the day in winning fashion for Charlie Longsdon.

Selection: Rare Edition

India have lost only three of their last 40 Test matches at home but a fearless England side, led by captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, aims to upset the odds in a five-Test series starting on Thursday.

England have made huge strides in Test cricket since Stokes and McCullum took charge in June 2022 and three members of their squad – James Anderson, Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow – were involved in the famous 2-1 series win in India in 2012.

However, they have lost their last two series in India by 4-0 and 3-1 margins and will have to be at their best to trouble Rohit Sharma's men in the Tests staged in Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Rajkot, Ranchi and Dharamsala.

India Vs England - Tourists must improve to combat India's bowling attack

India's spinners proved too sharp for England on their last visit in 2021. The tourists made 578 in their first innings of the series but were bowled out for 178, 134, 164, 112, 81, 205 and 135 in their next seven digs.

England pulled off an improbable 3-0 win in Pakistan in their first away series under Stokes and McCullum in December 2022 but those matches were played on flat pitches rather than the spin-friendly wickets expected in India.

Home spinners Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel pose a massive threat to visiting batsmen and India also have top-class fast bowlers in Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.

England's star batsman Root has a fine record in India but much will depend on how openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett fare against the new ball, laying the foundation for destructive middle-order men Stokes, Bairstow and Harry Brook.

Stokes is rarely short of innovative ideas in the field and he will need to use all his tactical wiles to unsettle India's star-studded batting unit.

Veteran Anderson has shown his ability to bowl economical spells on the subcontinent while Stokes will look to the pacy Mark Wood and Gus Atkinson for short, sharp, hostile bursts.

Left-arm spinner Jack Leach, who missed the 2023 Ashes due to a back injury, will also have a vital role to play and leggie Rehan Ahmed could seize his opportunity after taking seven wickets against Pakistan on his Test debut in December 2022.

Tip 1 - England to win 1st Test @ 3/1

England caught India cold in the first Test of the 2021 series when Root's 218 set up a crushing 227-run victory for the tourists in Chennai.

India have not had much meaningful red-ball preparation for this series as their two Test matches in South Africa after Christmas were played on pitches that suited the fast bowlers.

After that 1-1 draw they went straight into a Twenty20 series at home to Afghanistan and England have made strong starts to their two previous away series under Stokes and McCullum.

They beat Pakistan by 74 runs in the first Test in Rawalpindi in December 2022, having scored an astonishing 506-4 from just 75 overs on the first day of the series.

And in February 2023 they demolished New Zealand by 267 runs in Mount Maunganui despite Stokes's remarkable decision to declare England's first innings after only 58.2 overs.

The tourists are unlikely to take a backward step on this tour and, while their aggressive approach is risky, they are a tempting price to go 1-0 up in the epic five-match contest.

England Vs India Second Test Preview

England produced a stunning fightback to win the first Test against India in Hyderabad by 28 runs and they will be aiming to follow up that success in Visakhapatnam.

The second Test of the five-match series starts on Friday and England will be taking nothing for granted considering their experiences on the 2021 tour of India.

They stormed to a 227-run win in the first match of that series before crumbling against India's spinners in the next three games, so captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum will be determined to press home their advantage this time around.

India looked in total control of the Hyderabad Test after taking a 190-run first-innings lead and reducing England to 163-5 in their second dig, but they went on to suffer only the fourth defeat in their last 48 home matches.

Ace all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and batter KL Rahul have been ruled out of the second Test due to injuries, while batting superstar Virat Kohli is likely to sit out the match for personal reasons.

Tip 1 - England @ 19/10 to win

Winning in India is a rare achievement, so winning back-to-back Test matches would be a sensational result for England.

However, the euphoria of their win in Hyderabad, coupled with the absences of some of India's main men, gives the tourists a great chance of going 2-0 up in the five-match series.

Jadeja's injury is a particularly big blow for India as he averages 40 with the bat and 21 with the ball in home Test matches and is also one of the world's best fielders.

Captain Rohit Sharma and number three Shubman Gill looked in scratchy form in the first Test and two of the England players who were under the most pressure - Ollie Pope and debutant spinner Tom Hartley - produced matchwinning displays in the second innings.

Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett gave England solid starts in both innings and the tourists can further dent India's aura of invincibility at home.

Tip 2 - Ben Stokes Top England Run Scorer - Innings 1 @ 9/2

While Pope's remarkable 196 in the second innings launched England's comeback, skipper Stokes had been their standout batter in the first innings.

The left-hander batted patiently before playing some trademark big shots once he was left with the tail and his 70 was a significant knock given that none of his team-mates reached 40.

Stokes, playing as a specialist batter as he continues his recovery from knee surgery, is worth backing to top-score in England's first innings again.

He made a century in his first Test innings in India in 2016 and followed up with 70, the highest score of England's first innings, in the second match of the series in Visakhapatnam, where he may well trouble the home bowlers again.

Tip 3 - Joe Root Top England Wicket Taker - Innings 1 @ 13/4

Joe Root scored a double-century in the first Test of England's 2021 tour of India, but he was more influential with the ball than the bat in the 2024 series opener.

Root is regarded by the England management as a frontline spinner in these conditions and India's batters will certainly be taking him seriously after he claimed 4-79 in the first innings in Hyderabad.

Jack Leach struggled with a knee injury in the first Test and young leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed was expensive, so Root is likely to have plenty of bowling to do in the second game.

He picked up the big wicket of Rahul in the second innings and was England's top wicket-taker in the third Test of the 2021 series, recording the amazing figures of 5-8 from 6.2 overs in Ahmedabad.

India Vs England Third Test Preview

England recorded an historic victory in the first Test of their series against India before the hosts came roaring back with a fairly comfortable victory in the second game.

The series is delicately balanced as the teams travel to Rajkot to play the third Test.

Here we pick out some of the best bets ahead of the third game of the series.

Tip 1 - James Anderson top England wicket-taker in the first innings @ 3/1

England’s spin attack has taken most of the attention in the opening two games of the series, with left-armer Tom Hartley particularly impressive.

Veteran seamer James Anderson looked back to his best in the second Test, however, and he is fancied to be top England wicket-taker in the first innings.

With the pitch unlikely to deteriorate until the second or third day, the 41-year-old could continue to roll back the years and impress.

Anderson took five wickets in the last match and Jasprit Bumrah showed there is still plenty in the Indian pitches for pace bowlers who can get the ball to move.

With Jack Leach missing through injury, England’s pace bowling will be ever more important in this game and Anderson can be the star.

Tip 2 - Joe Root over 32.5 runs in the first innings @ 10/11

The English batting line-up has impressed in tough Indian conditions, rallying to make 420 in the second innings of the first Test and two decent totals in the second game.

One player who has disappointed somewhat is Joe Root, who has managed scores of 29, 2, 16 and 5.

The 33-year-old possesses such quality that he is never far from posting a big score, however, and given that his Test average is 49.64, he is fancied to bounce back in the third match of this series.

Take Root to go over the line of 32.5 runs in the first innings and announce his arrival in the series in style.

Tip 3 - Ravindra Jadeja top India run-scorer in the first innings @ 7/1

India have been dealt a significant blow with the announcement that talisman Virat Kohli will miss the rest of the series through injury.

In more positive news Ravindra Jadeja returns after missing the second game of the series and could make an immediate impact. The all-rounder top-scored in the first innings of the first Test with a knock of 87 and looks likely to return to the top six in the order.

Jadeja has two centuries in recent years and has a good record against England with the bat too, making one hundred and six half-centuries.

In Kohli’s absence, the returning Jadeja could be the one to step up and is fancied at a big price to be his side’s top scorer in the first innings of this Test.

India vs England - 4th Test Tips

England find themselves one down in the series and facing a must-win match as captain Ben Stokes considers a radical move for the fourth Test against India in Ranchi.

Stokes has not bowled in any match since the second Ashes Test at Lord's last summer because of his long-standing knee problems.

But the Durham star has reportedly felt well enough after his recent net sessions to resume his former role of all-rounder in a bid to sway the series.

England needs to change something after falling to consecutive heavy defeats in the second and third Tests, during which India's batters have posted five individual scores of 100 plus and two double tons.

Tip 1 - Yashasvi Jaiswal Top run scorer - India, Innings 1 @ 11/4

The two double centuries in the series have both been scored by India's young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has slotted in alongside captain Rohit Sharma at the top of the order like he has been playing there all his life.

In Rajkot, the left-hander became the first Indian batter to convert his first three Test tons into 150-plus scores and, at the age of 22 years and 49 days, was the third youngest player to score two double tons in the longest format.

He also equalled Wasim Akram's record for the most sixes in an innings by smashing 12 maximums during his career-best knock of 214 not out.

His performance, particularly in taking down the England spinners, helped set up India's 434-run victory and it could be the blueprint for another at the JSCA International AStadium Complex this week.

Jaiswal used his feet well to the slower bowlers, is particularly ruthless in attacking any delivery that is given flight and has not lost his wicket to a spinner since the first Test.

He will be a very tough wicket for England to pick up on what is expected to be a spin-friendly surface in Ranchi, with the tourists also expected to rest both Jimmy Anderson and Mark Wood.

Tip 2 - Rohit Sharma Over 81.5 Player Performance @ 17/20

Jaiswal's brilliance has overshadowed Rohit's return to form, but the India skipper will be one of the main dangers to England levelling the series as he returns to a ground where he made a double ton in 2019.

The right-hander struck 212 off 258 balls in a big win over South Africa when Test cricket was last played in Ranchi.

And, after stroking a magnificent 131 in the first innings at Rajkot, he will be in the mood for something special again.

It is 17/20 for Rohit to outdo a player performance of 81.5 this week, with one point for every run scored and 10 points for every catch he takes.

The India skipper, who is three runs shy of 4,000 in Tests, currently averages 70 runs and one catch per Test match in his career.

But he has five catches in three games during this series and looks likely to field in a key position at slip when the likes of Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja are turning the ball away from England's batters, which could result in plenty of performance points for Rohit.

Tip 3 - Joe Root - Over 31.5 Total Runs, Innings 1 @ Evens

Given his form in the series so far, it is understandable why many will be reluctant to back Joe Root to be productive with the bat.

But class is permanent and Root still averages close to 50 in Test cricket, with an average against India of exactly 65 since 2020.

India vs England 5th Test Predictions – England can finish on a high

The fifth and final Test between India and England gets underway Thursday morning, with the hosts having already won the series. England will be frustrated that they were not able to take advantage of winning the first Test, as they head to Dharamsala for the final clash between the two sides.

Ben Stokes’ men will take a lot from a 3-2 defeat going into the summer and with a lack of Test experience at this venue, it may play into the tourists’ hands.

Tip 1 - England to win @ 14/5

Looking back at the series to date, England have been in each Test – barring the 434-run third Test defeat – and will certainly feel they could, and probably should, have won the fourth match..

Brendon McCullum watched on as his team built a 156-run lead with seven second-innings wickets left, before another collapse cost them. England went on to lose seven wickets for just 35 runs and despite a battling effort with the ball, were made to pay by the hosts. Several of England’s squad will be aware that they may well be playing for their place in the team for the summer series’ against West Indies and Sri Lanka.

It’s also worth noting that this is only the second Test to have been played at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association, with the first coming back in 2017.

That means there is no big pitch advantage for India, who did win that clash with Australia by eight wickets seven years ago. Many of the India team for that Test will not be involved in this match.

Tip 2 - Zak Crawley – 1st Innings Runs: Over 30.5 @ Evens

There will be some positives to take for the England selectors despite the series defeat, one of which will be the opening partnership. Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett look to have cemented their place as the opening duo, with both making an impact with the bat during the tour.

Kent’s Crawley is England’s leading run scorer in the series, with 328 runs across eight innings – including three half-centuries.

In the fourth Test, the 26-year-old smashed 42 off 42 balls in the first innings in Ranchi, before racking up 60 in 91 deliveries in the second innings.

In just three of his eight innings this series, Crawley has failed to reach the set total of 30.5 runs and he looks to be in the type of form where he can make a big score.

Tip 3 - Kuldeep Yadav – Top India 1st Innings Wicket Taker @ 33/10

Kuldeep Yadav is one of the few players in the India team that featured in their win over Australia at this venue and he has happy memories of that red-ball encounter.

The left-arm wrist spinner took four first-innings wickets against the Aussies in 2017, including the scalp of opener David Warner.

Kuldeep also goes into the fifth Test in good form, having taken 12 wickets across the England series at an average of 22.58.

The 29-year-old also took four wickets in India’s win in Ranchi, clean bowling both Crawley and England skipper Stokes.