Opta Analyst
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Youri Tielemans Could Be Man Utd’s Smartest Post-Ferguson Signing
Youri Tielemans signed for Manchester United on Monday for a reported £35 million. So much points to it being a very shrewd investment. The post Youri Tielemans Could Be Man Utd’s Smartest Post-Ferguson Signing appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Press High, Exploit the Flanks and More: Four Ways England Can Exploit Argentina’s Weaknesses
England have reached the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup for the second time in the last three tournaments. Standing between them and a place in the final are the reigning champions, Argentina. The post Press High, Exploit the Flanks and More: Four Ways England Can Exploit Argentina’s Weaknesses appeared first on Opta Analyst .
From ‘Egotistical Losers’ to ‘Pure Mentality’: How England Overcame Their Major Tournament Troubles
England have reached four semi-finals at major tournaments in the last eight years. That doubles their all-time total. How have the Three Lions been able to push through what seemed to be a mental barrier? The post From ‘Egotistical Losers’ to ‘Pure Mentality’: How England Overcame Their Major Tournament Troubles appeared first on Opta Analyst .
England Team vs Argentina: Four Selection Dilemmas for Thomas Tuchel
Who should Thomas Tuchel select for England when they face Argentina in Wednesday's World Cup semi-final? Here are four big decisions he'll need to make. The post England Team vs Argentina: Four Selection Dilemmas for Thomas Tuchel appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Can England Win the World Cup With Such Extreme Reliance on Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham?
Between them, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane have scored 12 of England's 13 goals in 2026. No team has ever relied so heavily on two players at a World Cup, but history tells us that may not be a bad thing. The post Can England Win the World Cup With Such Extreme Reliance on Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham? appeared first on Opta Analyst .
England vs Argentina Prediction: World Cup 2026 Match Preview
England and Argentina will renew their rivalry in a mouth-watering 2026 World Cup semi-final at Atlanta Stadium. Look ahead to Wednesday's game with our England vs Argentina prediction and preview. The post England vs Argentina Prediction: World Cup 2026 Match Preview appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Spain’s Off-Ball Intensity Crushes Hype of France Attack En Route to World Cup Final
France were outfought and outthought in Tuesday's World Cup semi-final, as Spain booked their place in the final to face England or Argentina. The post Spain’s Off-Ball Intensity Crushes Hype of France Attack En Route to World Cup Final appeared first on Opta Analyst .
France 0-2 Spain Stats: Oyarzabal and Porro Send European Champions to World Cup Final
Spain were in total control against France in the World Cup semi-final, effectively stifling Les Bleus' attack to book a place in the final. The post France 0-2 Spain Stats: Oyarzabal and Porro Send European Champions to World Cup Final appeared first on Opta Analyst .
2026 World Cup Golden Boot Race: Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane and the Stars in Contention
Who will win the Golden Boot for the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Here, we track the leading contenders as the goals fly in. The post 2026 World Cup Golden Boot Race: Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane and the Stars in Contention appeared first on Opta Analyst .
The Open Championship Predictions: FRACAS Likes Scheffler, But Who Else?
Scottie Scheffler is favored at the Open Championship, but our FRACAS projection model identifies plenty of contenders at Royal Birkdale. The post The Open Championship Predictions: FRACAS Likes Scheffler, But Who Else? appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Walter Payton Award’s 40th Anniversary Kicks Off With Preseason Watch List
The Walter Payton Award honors FCS college football's offensive player of the year. Thirty players are named to the preseason watch list. The post Walter Payton Award’s 40th Anniversary Kicks Off With Preseason Watch List appeared first on Opta Analyst .
30 FCS Defensive Standouts Named to 2026 Buck Buchanan Award Preseason Watch List
The Buck Buchanan Award honors FCS college football's defensive player of the year. Thirty players are named to the preseason watch list. The post 30 FCS Defensive Standouts Named to 2026 Buck Buchanan Award Preseason Watch List appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Injustice, Red Cards and a Police Escort: Revealing the Data Behind England vs Argentina World Cup Rivalry
Given Opta has detailed data on the World Cup going back to 1966, we can reveal insights from historical meetings between England and Argentina that only fuel the rivalry further. The post Injustice, Red Cards and a Police Escort: Revealing the Data Behind England vs Argentina World Cup Rivalry appeared first on Opta Analyst .
France vs Spain Prediction: World Cup 2026 Match Preview
Can Les Bleus reach a third straight World Cup final or will the European champions beat them for a third straight time? We look ahead to this semi-final clash with our France vs Spain prediction and preview. The post France vs Spain Prediction: World Cup 2026 Match Preview appeared first on Opta Analyst .
France vs Spain: The 2026 World Cup’s Best Attack Meets Its Best Defence
Tuesday's World Cup semi-final presents an interesting proposition as a star-studded France attack will be tasked with breaking down a resolute Spain defence. The post France vs Spain: The 2026 World Cup’s Best Attack Meets Its Best Defence appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Andrey Santos: Why Man Utd Are Taking a Chance on a Chelsea Backup Player
Manchester United's first signing under Michael Carrick is Andrey Santos from Chelsea. A surprise, to be sure, but it's not a transfer without its merits. The post Andrey Santos: Why Man Utd Are Taking a Chance on a Chelsea Backup Player appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Mikel Merino is the World Cup’s Best Super Sub
Mikel Merino's last-minute winners for Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup are just more proof of his remarkable ability to influence matches at crucial moments. The post Mikel Merino is the World Cup’s Best Super Sub appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Widespread Talent Fills 2026 Stats Perform FCS Preseason All-America Team
The 2026 Stats Perform FCS Preseason All-America Team features all 13 conferences, 53 schools and 101 players. The post Widespread Talent Fills 2026 Stats Perform FCS Preseason All-America Team appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Six Talking Points From England’s Norway Win That Could Decide if They Win the World Cup
England have reached only their fourth ever men’s World Cup semi-final. How did they do it? We look at six takeaways from their victory in Miami. The post Six Talking Points From England’s Norway Win That Could Decide if They Win the World Cup appeared first on Opta Analyst .
FIFA World Cup 2026 Predictions: The Opta Supercomputer Projections Ahead of the Semi-Finals
We’re down to the final four of the 2026 World Cup. Which of France, Spain, England and Argentina are likeliest to go all the way, though? We ask the Opta supercomputer. The post FIFA World Cup 2026 Predictions: The Opta Supercomputer Projections Ahead of the Semi-Finals appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Argentina 3-1 Switzerland (aet) Stats: Alvarez and Martínez’s Extra-Time Goals Tee up England Semi-Final
Argentina booked their spot in the semi-finals of the World Cup after getting the better of Switzerland, who had Breel Embolo sent off. The post Argentina 3-1 Switzerland (aet) Stats: Alvarez and Martínez’s Extra-Time Goals Tee up England Semi-Final appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Bellingham or Bust: England’s Man of ‘the Moment’ Delivers Yet Again
England haven't been entirely convincing despite reaching the 2026 World Cup semi-finals, but in Jude Bellingham they have a player capable of tipping the scales, as he proved again. The post Bellingham or Bust: England’s Man of ‘the Moment’ Delivers Yet Again appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Norway 1-2 England (aet) Stats: Bellingham Leads Comeback to Seal Semi-Final Berth
Two of the world’s best strikers face off as Norway play England in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Check out the key data from the game with our Norway vs England stats page. The post Norway 1-2 England (aet) Stats: Bellingham Leads Comeback to Seal Semi-Final Berth appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Jordan Pickford Becomes England’s Most-Capped Player in World Cup Games
Jordan Pickford is set to break Peter Shilton's record as the England player with the most appearances in men's World Cup history. The post Jordan Pickford Becomes England’s Most-Capped Player in World Cup Games appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Argentina vs Switzerland Prediction: World Cup 2026 Match Preview
Lionel Messi and Argentina are still in the FIFA World Cup, albeit by the skin of their teeth. We look ahead to Saturday’s quarter-final clash with our Argentina vs Switzerland prediction and preview. The post Argentina vs Switzerland Prediction: World Cup 2026 Match Preview appeared first on Opta Analyst .
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