Argentina comes in as one of the World Cup favorites, fresh off an impressive CONMEBOL qualifying and a Copa America title. However, this will likely be Lionel Messi‘s last World Cup in a legendary career.
This is a match that La Albiceleste should control from start to finish, as they take on Saudi Arabia, who are projected to finish fourth in Group C.
Saudi Arabia was terrific in AFC qualifying, winning a group that featured Japan and Australia. As a result, the Green Falcons will look to advance out of the group stage for the second time in their history.
It will be tough for Saudi Arabia to get through in a group that also includes Mexico and Poland. However, they’ll hope to get a result here. Let’s take a look at the best bets for Argentina and Saudi Arabia.
Argentina vs Saudi Arabia Odds
- 3-Way Handicap: Argentina (-800) | Draw (+600) | Saudi Arabia (+1500)
- Draw No Bet: Argentina (-3500) | Saudi Arabia (+850)
- Over/Under Goals: Over 2.5 (-182) | Under 2.5 (+148)
- Both Teams to Score: Yes (+134) | No (-172)
Argentina vs Saudi Arabia odds are courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook as of 9 a.m. EST on Nov. 17.
As expected, Argentina is a heavy favorite here. But, unfortunately, the only way to take them is to win by two or more goals.
The total is juiced to the Over, which indicates that oddsmakers are essentially projecting a 3-0 win for the South American side. There is value in taking Both Teams to Score at +134 odds, but it’s tough to see the Saudis finding the net here.
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Argentina vs Saudi Arabia Prediction
Argentina 2:0 Saudi Arabia
Argentina usually lines up in a 4-3-3 under manager Lionel Scaloni, with Messi joined by Angel Di Maria on the wing and Lautaro Martinez in attack. It’s an imposing trio that should generate scoring chances at a high rate.
However, that’s usually the case with Argentina, as they’re always known as a team with a strong attack. What makes them different this time around is their ability to prevent goals. Argentina only allowed eight goals in 17 qualifying matches.
Saudi Arabia will look for a strong showing in neighboring Qatar, which could give them a strong presence, making it feel like a home game. They like to line up in a 4-2-3-1 under manager Hervé Renard.
We can expect them to try to play a defensive style against Argentina, desperately seeking to secure a point. Look for Argentina to dominate possession.
The Saudis are overmatched in this one. Argentina is one of the hottest teams in the world right now, unbeaten in their last 36 matches. They look poised for a deep run in this tournament, especially with how well they’ve played defensively.
Argentina vs Saudi Arabia Betting Tips
- Argentina is in top form right now, unbeaten in their last 36 matches.
- They had a +19 goal differential, allowing only eight goals in CONMEBOL.
- Saudi Arabia had trouble scoring goals, averaging 1.2 per game during qualifying.
Argentina vs Saudi Arabia Best Bets
Under 2.5 Goals (+148) at FanDuel Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
I don’t expect Saudi Arabia to score in this match, especially with Argentina likely maintaining the lion’s share of possession. This means that Argentina would have to score three or more goals for us to lose this wager.
I’ll take my chances and bet against that because this is one of the better Saudi sides in recent memory, as evidenced by their dominance in qualifying. So I don’t think this will turn into a three or four-goal blowout.
Both Teams to Score: No (-172) at FanDuel Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
In order to protect myself against an Argentina blowout ruining the Under 2.5 goals, I’ll take Both Teams Not to Score in this match.
While it’s heavily juiced, I’m willing to pay this price. Not only does it act as a hedge against the Under, but I also have a chance at winning both wagers.