Daily Sports Tips – Sunday, June 17

We’ve been treated to a few terrific contests in this weekend’s AFL draw and it could all peak this afternoon when the Cats and Tigers lock horns at the G. The Tigers suffered a shock defeat to the Power last week, last Geelong coach Brad Scott again took bragging rights from his brother as the Cats overcame a quality North Melbourne side. The Tigers do welcome back Dustin Martin and that is sure to have a big bearing on the game, but Geelong are in great tough and represent value to win.

We are set for an intriguing fixture when two clubs on the fringe of the top eight face off, in the form of the Tigers and Raiders. The Tigers were widely tipped for the spoon this season and they have clearly exceeded expectations by remaining in the hunt for a finals berth more than halfway through the season. The Raiders have been playing some decent football of their own and were unlucky to go down by a single point to top two side Penrith last week. Of these two clubs, the Raiders probably stand a better chance of making and competing in the finals and they can notch a vital win this afternoon.

Costa Rica were one of the surprise packets of the 2014 World Cup, but they have drawn into a difficult Group in Russia and face a big task in overcoming Serbia tonight. Costa Rica will be relying heavily on Real Madrid keeper Keylor Navas to hold out a talented Serbian attack and their best chances of competing are probably going to come on the counter. Serbia look to have too much firepower for the central American minnows and it could be a tough night at the office for Los Ticos.

It looks like a day for favourites and there’s great value on offer for the Storm, Brazil and Germany all to win. Its been business as usual for the Melbourne Storm this NRL season and the Newcastle Knights are the next unlucky club that is charged with facing the reigning premiers. Brazil are favourites to win the 2018 World Cup and will open their account against Switzerland. Germany will launch their World Cup title defence against Mexico.