What to look out for this weekend: French Open, F1 and World Cup warm-ups
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Odds and tips ahead of this weekend’s sporting action
The World Cup is only days away now. But there’s still plenty of sport to enjoy in the meantime.
The Coral News Team have looked ahead to this weekend’s big events…
Will Halep make up for last year’s French Open heartbreak?
Simona Halep was the huge favourite going into last year’s French Open final against the unseeded Jelena Ostapenko. After going a set up, the Romanian looked on course to win her first-ever Grand Slam. But Ostapenko fought back to record an incredible shock victory.
A year later, Halep is the favourite in the final again. The world number one is 4/9 to beat Sloane Stephens. After a miserable run of one win in eight previous finals, will she finally lift a major title here?
Can Lewis Hamilton get back to winning ways?
After a disappointing fourth-place finish in Monaco, Lewis Hamilton will be determined to maintain his 14-point lead in the driver’s championship at Sunday’s Canadian Grand Prix.
Hamilton is 11/8 favourite for a fourth-consecutive win at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
His experience will be vital this time around. Ferrari and Red Bull will both have engine upgrades in Montreal. Mercedes have had to postpone their own upgrade after suffering “quality issues”.
Who’ll start up front for Spain?
Julen Lopetegui has an incredible array of talent to choose from in the Spain squad. He arguably has the best goalkeeper and defence in the World Cup. His midfield is packed with world-class players. But there are still question marks over who plays in attack.
Diego Costa is the best out-and-out goalscorer in the squad. But the Atletico Madrid star isn’t a natural fit for Spain’s passing game. Iago Aspas or Rodrigo could be better suited to this team.
La Roja’s final warm-up game is against Tunisia tomorrow. It’s the last chance for the strikers to convince Lopetegui they should get the nod up front. Costa is 5/6 to score Anytime, Rodrigo is 11/10 and Aspas is 7/5.
Is Neymar back to full fitness?
Brazil go into the World Cup as 9/2 favourites, but much depends on Neymar’s fitness. Their star man hasn’t played a competitive game since February.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward didn’t look too rusty as he scored a great goal against Croatia last weekend. But how will he do when the big games come around?
He’ll have another chance to make sure he’s in top shape against Austria on Sunday. It’s 13/10 that Neymar scores and Brazil win.
Can Atlanta hold onto top spot in MLS’ Eastern Conference?
Atlanta United have attracted huge crowds and played some thrilling football in their brief existence. Now in their second season, they’ll fancy their chances of a title push.
Tata Martino’s team are currently top of the Eastern Conference, two points above New York City FC. The two sides meet at Yankee Stadium tomorrow, with the hosts 11/10 favourites.
Josef Martinez could help Atlanta upset the odds and retain top spot though. The league’s top scorer is 10/3 to open the scoring.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
