Argentina
- Argentina have won their last five games, beating Honduras 2-0 and Iceland 3-0 in their last two home matches.
- Argentina have conceded just 2 goals in their last 7 home matches.
Algeria
- Algeria have won their last four away games, beating Netherlands 1-0 and Bolivia 4-0 in their most recent away matches.
- The Desert Foxes have been in fine form since the end of last season, winning eight, drawing one and losing one of their ten all-competition matches.
- Algeria have netted 10 goals in their last four all-competition away matches.
Key Players
- Messi is the heartbeat of an Argentina side that has been irresistible since Lionel Scaloni took charge in 2018.
- His ability to control the game from deep, dictate tempo and create chances from nothing ensures La Albiceleste always have an outlet and goal threat.
- Scaloni's side are patient and possessive in the half-spaces and have the quality to stretch games, but they have also developed a pressing game and are very difficult to play against.
- Algeria are a different kettle of fish, preferring to pack their defence and rely on transition and set-piece play.
- Vladimir Petković has quickly got this team playing in a pragmatic way since his appointment at the start of this year, although he is a master of the counter-attack and will have Algeria sitting deep before looking to pinch and nick their chances.
- Ismaël Bennacer provides the bite in the middle of the park for Algeria, while Mahrez is their chief creator and one of the best set-piece takers in the game.
- Argentina have plenty of quality on the ball, but Enzo Fernández provides a similar midfield base for Scaloni's men, while Julián Álvarez offers a similar sort of finisher to the in-form Amine Gouiri.
Betting Insights
- Argentina are the clear favourites at 1.42 for their opening Group J game against Algeria, but the Desert Foxes can be backed at an enticing 9.3 to spring a surprise.
- Both sides are unbeaten in their current runs, with Algeria winning four on the trot and Argentina seven, so there is a real clash of styles coming in Kansas City.
- But as both sides are defensively sound, the 'Both teams to score - No' (1.62) market looks best here.
Prediction
The only difference is Messi and we can't see Argentina failing to claim maximum points against the outsiders.
