Senegal vs Ivory Coast Prediction: Tips and Best Bets Preview
Our betting expert, Scott Thornton, brings you his Senegal vs Ivory Coast predictions, tips and best bets preview as the hosts look to bounce back against the reigning African Cup of Nations champions.
Ivory Coast secured their place in the round of 16 by the skin of their teeth but need to improve drastically if they are to keep their dream alive. Senegal, on the other hand, will be looking for more of the same as they look to retain their crown.
Senegal vs Ivory Coast Prediction and Tips Preview
- Senegal vs Ivory Coast Tip 1: Senegal To Win
- Senegal vs Ivory Coast Tip 2: Senegal -1 Asian Handicap
- Senegal vs Ivory Coast Tip 3: Sadio Mane To Score
In this article:
- Senegal vs Ivory Coast Team News
- Senegal vs Ivory Coast Stats Preview
- How to watch Senegal vs Ivory Coast
- Safer Gambling
Senegal vs Ivory Coast Tip 1: Senegal Deserve Their Favourites Tag
African Cup of Nations, Monday, January 28th, 20:00 (UK)
Jean-Louis Gasset was relieved of his duties as head coach of Ivory Coast in the wake of their crushing 4-0 defeat against Equatorial Guinea. Their future in the competition was up in the air at that stage, but results elsewhere meant they would live to fight another day.
The hosts managed to win their opening match of the tournament against Guinea-Bissau. Things got progressively worse from there. Their last defeat was dubbed the biggest upset in the tournament’s history by many. Emerse Fae has now taken charge of the team on an interim basis, and he has very little time to rally the troops, so a Senegal win looks like the way to go here.
Senegal are the only side that emerged from the group stage with a perfect record of three wins from three. They have looked dangerous in front of goal and will relish the opportunity to go up against this fragile Ivory Coast defence.
- Senegal vs Ivory Coast Tip 1: Senegal To Win (TRACKED BET)
- Best Odds: 2.40
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 10/10
Senegal vs Ivory Coast Tip 2: The Holders can Rub salt into the Wounds
Our second tip is in line with our first prediction but is available at longer odds. We can back Senegal -1 on bet365’s Asian handicap market at odds of 4.00. This means we get our stake back if the AFCON holders only manage to win by one goal.
Senegal have suffered just one defeat in their last 17 matches. They scored an average of 1.82 goals per game during that run and conceded just 0.41. They have been defensively solid for an extended period and that bodes well as they approach this game. Senegal have kept five clean sheets in their last six matches, so two goals might be enough for this bet to land.
Aliou Cisse’s side have won all three of their matches in this tournament by at least two goals. They face a side that is under intense scrutiny, and an early goal for the favourites could see Ivory Coast buckle under the pressure.
- Senegal vs Ivory Coast Tip 2: Odds: Senegal -1 Asian Handicap
- Best Odds: 4.00
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 5/10
Senegal vs Ivory Coast Tip 3: Proving he is Still the Mane
Sadio Mane remains a crucial part of this Senegal team. He was at the peak of his powers when his country lifted the trophy in 2022. The former Liverpool attacker isn’t quite as explosive as he once was, but he is still playing an integral role for Aliou Cisse’s side.
Senegal have looked clinical going forward. Their front three of Ismaila Sarr, Habib Diallo and Sadio Mane all scored with their only shots on target as they beat Cameroon 3-2 in the group stages. Moreover, the team’s average of 2.67 goals per game has only been bested by Equatorial Guinea in the group stages.
They should create plenty of chances as a unit here, and Sadio Mane will benefit from his team being on top. Mane has assisted or scored in all three matches in the tournament so far. He may have ditched Europe’s elite for the Saudi Pro League, but he is still putting in the performances we have become accustomed to.
- Senegal vs Ivory Coast Tip 3: Sadio Mane to Score Anytime
- Best Odds: 3.50
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 7/10
Ivory Coast vs Senegal Prediction odds via bet365 as at 08:56, January 26th, 2024. Odds may now differ.
Senegal vs Ivory Coast Team News Preview: No sign of Haller
Senegal have a few injury concerns ahead of this one, but they should still be in the ascendancy here. Abdallah Sima, Boulaye Dia and Seny Dieng for this one. Youssouf Sabaly has returned to training but is unlikely to start the match.
Ivory Coast are still without Sebastian Haller. The striker would have been a huge asset to his team, but he hasn’t yet featured. Simon Adingra is also ruled out of this round of 16 match. The starting eleven is a bit more of a mystery for the hosts. The interim manager could make some drastic changes after the humiliation at the hands of Equatorial Guinea and Gasset’s subsequent departure.
Senegal vs Ivory Coast Stats Preview:
Senegal won the most recent head-to-head between these sides 1-0 back in January 2023.
Aliou Cisse’s side have lost just two of their 19 matches since the start of 2023. They are conceding just 0.42 goals per game during that run.
The 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea was Ivory Coast’s biggest ever home defeat.
How To Watch
- Senegal vs Ivory Coast, African Cup of Nations.
- Date and Time: Monday, January 29th, 20:00 (UK)
- How to Watch or Stream on TV (UK): Sky Sports Main Event
SAFER GAMBLING
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