Argentina VS Algeria Match Prediction

The head-to-head record between the two nations does not offer us a lot of clues as to the potential outcome of this Group C clash, as they have only ever played each other once before.

That game was a friendly back in 2007 and Argentina came out on top, recording a 4-3 win.

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Argentina v Algeria: Prediction

Argentina will surely be much improved from their poor performance in a defeat to Portugal that left them on the brink of a surprise early exit from the competition. Algeria's best hope of progression was probably by beating Honduras and they will not be expected to win this game.

Argentina v Algeria: Betting Tips

Despite losing their first match in the competition, Argentina have been made the pre-game favourites for this Olympics clash, with a price of 4/9 offered on the South Americans winning. Algeria are also up against it after losing to Honduras last time out and they can be backed at 13/2, with the draw available at 3/1. Betting against both teams to score is also likely to be fruitful here, especially at a price of 10/11, while under 2.5 goals appeals at evens for this game.

Argentina were backed as one of the pre-tournament favourites, but a surprise 2-0 loss at the hands of Portugal has left them facing an early exit unless they can beat Algeria here.

Changes could therefore be in the offing for Argentina, who played a 4-4-1-1 formation in their first game and struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. Striker Calleri - reported to be joining West Ham United - could drop out, with Lo Celso and Pavon pushing for a start in this game.

Argentina likely XI:

Rulli, Cuesta, Magallan, Gianetti, Gomez, Soto, Martinez, Ascacibar, Calleri, Espinoza, Correa.

Algeria also lost their first Group C fixture, going down 3-2 to Honduras in a thrilling match, so they need a result in this game to keep their qualification hopes alive. 

Bounedjah scored a goal and made another during that game and he will again be a key player for Algeria, while Bendebka also got his name on the scoresheet against Honduras. Both of those players were booked in the last game, however, so they will need to be careful against Argentina.

Algeria likely XI:

Chaal, Demmou, Kenniche, Ferhani, Benguit, Ait-Atmane, Bounedjah, Bendebka, Belkebla, Benkablia, Haddouche.

Argentina\'s status as one of the pre-tournament favourites was not justified as they lost to Portugal 2-0 in their first Olympics match, but they will surely be a lot better in this match, with Algeria\'s confidence dented by a loss to Honduras in their own opening clash. Argentina\'s attacking class should be too much for the Algerians to cope with here, but a tight game is likely, with Algeria likely to sit deep and look to soak up pressure. Argentina to win but only by a single goal.

Argentina are winless in their last two games after an 11-match unbeaten run ended.