Argentina vs. Australia - Betting tips, predictions, and odds
Argentina and Australia will cross swords in the second game of the Round of 16 at FIFA World Cup when they meet at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium. Feel free to read the best Argentina vs. Australia betting tips and predictions.
H2H, form, and stats
Argentina and Australia have faced on four occasions so far. The first two H2H meetings were in the playoffs for the World Cup in 1994, while the most recent was a friendly match in 2007. Argentina recorded three wins with a draw.
After a shocking start and a loss to Saudi Arabia in the opening game of this World Cup, Argentina rallied the troops. It won the next two matches against Mexico and Poland by scoring two goals in each and allowing none in return. Lionel Messi did fail to convert a penalty against the Poles, but he still ended the group stage as the team’s top scorer with two goals. He also has an assist, while Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez, and Alexis Mac Allister scored a goal apiece. La Albiceleste suffered just one defeat since July 2019, and it was against Saudi Arabia here in Qatar.
Australia surprisingly progressed to the knockout stage after defeating Tunisia and Denmark in the last two matches without allowing a goal along the way. It didn't start well for the Socceroos at the World Cup as they lost 4-1 to France but managed to bounce back with a lucky win over Tunisia before deservedly beating Denmark. They finished 2nd behind France, and although they scored only three goals, the Aussies’ fighting spirit led them to the knockout. Mathew Leckie scored a winner against Denmark, while Mitchell Duke and Craig Goodwin also scored at this World Cup. Australia won seven of the last eight games (L1).
Injuries and squad news
Angel Di Maria is the only questionable player for Lionel Scaloni’s side as he’s dealing with a thigh injury. He was taken off in the 59th against Poland as a precaution, and Di Maria, who is the second top scorer of this team and second most influential player after Messi, will probably be in the starting lineup on Saturday.
Australia’s head coach Graham Arnold doesn't have any injury-related problems as all of the players are healthy and ready to go. Arnold’s game plan for this game is likely going to be quite defensive as he’ll be hoping to keep the net intact for as much as possible in order to frustrate the Argentines. Australia will be looking for their chances from set-pieces, and if they don’t concede an early goal, the Socceroos may have a slight chance to make a big upset. After all, Argentina already lost to massive underdogs in this tournament.
Betting predictions and odds
Argentina is the biggest favorite of all 16 teams in this round as the bookies offer 1.18 odds on La Albiceleste to win. If you are searching for another sensation (not that we didn't see enough of those), back Australia at 16.00, while a draw is at 6.65. When it comes to goals, the bookies believe we will have plenty of goals here. Over 2.5 goals can be backed at 1.55 and Under 2.5 goals at 2.38.
Our best tip for Argentina vs. Australia game
We’re well aware of Australia’s strategy for this encounter, but it seems that Argentina is playing better as the tournament progresses and it would be surprising if the favorites fail to score two or three goals here. Arnold’s defensive tactic is not going to work as we’re backing Argentina to score an early goal, after which the Aussies will have to be more attacking-minded. That will open up space for Scaloni’s men to hit the underdogs in transition and make that slow back four pay. This should be a comfortable victory for Messi and co.
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Where to watch? Date, hour, and TV schedule
- FIFA World Cup
- Venue: Ahmad bin Ali Stadium (Al Rayyan)
- Saturday, December 3, 2022,
- 8 PM CET
To check the full TV schedule visit https://www.protipster.com/football-live-stream.
