Argentina begin the defence of their World Cup crown when they face Algeria in their opening Group C fixture at 2am (UK time) on Wednesday in Kansas City. Get our 16/1 Argentina vs Algeria Bet Builder Tip live here.
The reigning champions famously suffered a shock defeat to Saudi Arabia in their first match of the 2022 tournament before embarking on a remarkable run to lift the trophy. Lionel Scaloni’s side will be determined to avoid a similar stumble this time around as they target a positive start to their latest World Cup campaign.
We’ve taken a deep dive into the latest markets and statistics to put together our best Argentina vs Algeria Bet Builder Tips, with our four-leg selection available at odds of 16/1 with Betfair.
Lionel Messi to score or assist
It’s Lionel Messi, it’s the World Cup. He’s bound to have a say at some point. In what will surely be his last major tournament, the 38 year old will hope for a similar outcome to last time around as he scored seven goals and assisted three while leading Argentina to the trophy in Qatar.
Despite his years, Messi comes into the World Cup on the back of some blistering form at Inter Miami, where he’s managed 12 goals and seven assists in 14 games so far. Expect him to make a mark as he so often does tonight.
Ibrahim Maza 1+ shot on target
With Riyad Mahrez missing out on the starting eleven, attention turns to the next great hope of Algerian football for this game, Ibrahim Maza. The 20 year old has two goals to his name in 17 caps so far but he’s always good for a shot bet, as his Bundesliga stats show.
The Bayer Leverkusen man has averaged 1.9 shots per game in the German top tier this season and he took 1.6 shots per 90 at Afcon earlier this year. Expect him to be the main attacking threat for the Greens in Mahrez’s absence.
Christian Romero to be carded
Christian Romero endured a season to forget with Tottenham, who only survived the drop down to the Championship on the final day.
Despite only playing 23 league games, he racked up nine yellow cards and was one of only two players to be sent off twice.
While a great player, the centre-back is often prone to making rash challenges and questionable decisions, meaning he’s always one to keep an eye on in the cards market.
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