As it is less than 50 days to the World Cup kicks off at the Luzhniki Stadium (14^th June), we can officially start getting excited about the Finals in Russia. Of course, there is still a few things to sort out in the domestic season, but with each passing day the anticipation for the World Cup will surely grow.

Bookies have had the odds ready to go for a while now, but it feels like we are entering the business phase in terms of teams’ preparation. At this stage though, there is still some decent value to be found in the betting, with bookmakers differing in their opinions in several outcomes. Here is a look at some of the value options:

Outright winner:

Brazil have been slight favourites ahead of Germany for the World Cup, with both teams ranging from around 4/1 – 5/1. To be honest, Brazil should really be avoided. They may win, but certainly have not demonstrated the credentials to be such low odds. Have they really improved that much since being hammered 7-1 by Germany in 2014?

While champions Germany are the team to beat, the betting value definitely lies with Belgium, who can be found at odds of 12/1 with several major bookmakers. A polished Spain side also looks like very good value at 7/1. Click here for the offers for free bets from all major bookmakers before you back anyone.  

Prediction: Germany

Best Value: Belgium

Avoid: Brazil

Top Scorer:

Top scorer can often be a difficult one to get right from a betting perspective at the World Cup. The temptation is to go for the very big names, but one fluke hat-trick can set an unknown player on their way to a surprise win and scupper your bet. For example, Oleg Salenko scored five goals for Russia in one game (vs Cameroon) at World Cup 1994, helping him win the Golden Boot with six goals ahead of big favourites like Romario and Roberto Baggio.

As you might expect, Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar all lead the way in the odds, coming in around 9/1-12/1. Once again, there is little value in backing any of that celebrated trio as the odds are simply not big enough for a prize that often does not go to the favourite. However, Romelu Lukaku looks like a huge price at 25/1 (Bet Victor). Also, if he gets a bit of game time, Roberto Firmino could prove a bargain at 80/1 (888sport).

Prediction: Lukaku (Lukaku - All Goals for Belgium)

Best Value: Roberto Firmino

Avoid: Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar

Surprise Packages:

Every World Cup throws up its fair share of shocks, as evidenced by Costa Rica’s marvellous run to the quarters last time. This time Egypt, led by the superlative Mo Salah, can make hosts Russia suffer in Group A. It is 6/1 for the Egyptian to top the group ahead of Russia, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. 6/4 simply for them to qualify for the knockout phases. With Salah in their ranks, who knows where they can go? Also, look out for Denmark at 5/1 (Bet365) to reach the quarter-finals or better. They are a talented side who could punch above their weight in Russia.

Prediction: Egypt to qualify from Group A

Best Value: Denmark to reach quarter finals

Avoid: Russia