Merson's World Cup predictions: Will England make it two wins from two against Panama?
Saturday 23 June 2018 10:52, UK
With the World Cup in full swing, Paul Merson is here to give us his predictions for the second round of group-stage fixtures.
Germany face Sweden in Sochi on Saturday knowing that defeat would almost certainly end their hopes of defending their title.
England take on Panama on Sunday hoping to progress from the group stages, so who is the Magic Man tipping to come out on top?
Belgium v Tunisia (Saturday 1pm, Group G)
Belgium will hurt Tunisia more than England did - they have more guile and creativity with the ball than us. Eden Hazard has got to learn to release the ball quicker but he's class. Tunisia, who will be heartbroken, won't cope with him.
PAUL PREDICTS: 3-0 (8/1 with Sky Bet)
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South Korea v Mexico (Saturday 4pm, Group F)
Mexico were as good as it can get against Germany - they were outstanding on the counter-attack. They'll win this game easily.
PAUL PREDICTS: 0-2 (7/1 with Sky Bet)
Germany v Sweden (Saturday 7pm, Group F)
Germany were so disrespectful and inefficient against Mexico. They have to win this game otherwise qualification is out of their hands. They could be going home.
However, when German teams need a result, they step up.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0 (5/1 with Sky Bet)
England v Panama (Sunday 1pm, Group G)
This should be a comfortable victory - more comfortable than the Tunisia win. I'd play Raheem Sterling - if you leave him out it will dent his confidence, he's been a big part of this team.
After this one, it's going to be weird watching the England v Belgium game, knowing both teams will probably want to finish second!
PAUL PREDICTS: 3-0 (7/1 with Sky Bet)
Japan v Senegal (Sunday 4pm, Group H)
After they both won their first game, this has got draw written all over it.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1 (5/1 with Sky Bet)
Poland v Colombia (Sunday 7pm, Group H)
How much would you pay for Robert Lewandowski after his performance against Senegal? Not much. He was unbelievably bad. I wasn't impressed with Poland in their opener. Colombia will be a different proposition with 11 men on the pitch, they'll bounce back.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-2 (8/1 with Sky Bet)
