USA vs Wales, England vs Iran and Netherlands vs Senegal

The 2022 World Cup is just around the corner.

The tournament kicked off with Ecuador’s 2-0 win over hosts Qatar on Sunday and resumes in earnest on Monday with three matches.

The United States and England are in Group B and both are seeking three points ahead of their massive Black Friday clash. Both sides are favored in their opening games and wins on Monday would put them in a good position to progress.

England versus Iran

8 p.m. ET Monday, Fox Sports 1

England should win this game easily, although we’re fascinated to see how this game turns out. Iran is coached by Carlos Queiroz. His teams are known for bunkering in front of goal and avoiding goals at all costs. England want to play with five defenders at the back and prefer to hit on the counterattack. The Three Lions will dominate possession. And if there was ever a time for Gareth Southgate to play four at the back and Declan Rice, Kalvin Phillips and Jude Bellingham all in midfield, it’s now.

United States vs Wales

2 p.m. ET, Monday, Fox

As you probably know, the USMNT is returning to the World Championships for the first time since 2014. This drought is nothing compared to a Wales squad making their first World Cup appearance in 64 years. Gareth Bale is still the star for Wales after playing a part-time role at LAFC and Aaron Ramsey is still a key component. The biggest question for the Welsh is Joe Allen; he suffered a hamstring injury in September and has not played since. If Allen isn’t able to leave, there’s no real replacement for him in the squad.

We take USA to win this duel in one of the five most important matches of the group stage. The loser of this game has a mighty climb to reach the round of 16.

Senegal vs Netherlands

11 p.m. ET Monday, Fox

Senegal’s chances haven’t changed with the news that star striker Sadio Mane is out. However, we would be inclined to put a flyer on a tie. This is Africa’s best team and Ismaila Sarr is capable of leading the front line while Kalidou Koulibaly is one of the best defenders in the world.