Argentina vs. Saudi Arabia Odds, Predictions & Picks | World Cup Match Preview
Hector Vivas/Getty. Pictured: Lautaro Martinez.
Argentina vs. Saudi Arabia Odds
| Argentina Odds | -900 |
| Saudi Arabia Odds | +2200 |
| Draw | +750 |
| Over/Under | 2.5 (-150 / +120) |
| Both Teams to Score (Yes/No) | (+175 / -250) |
| Odds via bet365. Get the latest World Cup odds here. | |
In the opening match of Group C at the World Cup, Argentina starts their journey for the trophy against Saudi Arabia.
All eyes will be on superstar Lionel Messi, who is likely playing in his final tournament for his country. Based on his recent form internationally and domestically, this could also be Messi’s best chance to bring home silverware after securing the Copa America last summer.
Meanwhile, the Asian side returns to the World Cup for the sixth time in the country’s history, looking to pull off one of the upsets of the competition with a result here.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward may get all the headlines, but I feel one of his strike partners has all the betting value in this fixture.
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Argentina in Flying Form
You could argue that there isn’t a country that is entering this World Cup on better form than manager Lionel Scaloni’s side.
Argentina come into the tournament on a 35-game unbeaten run, the longest active streak in the world. The incredible run spans back all the way back to 2019, including the aforementioned Copa America title run during this time.
La Albiceleste also finished World Cup Qualifying with a +19 goal differential, which was much better than the +3 differential in 2018 qualifying.
Beyond the maestro wearing No. 10, keep an eye on Lautaro Martínez, who tied Messi with seven goals to go along with three assists in WCQ.
Saudi Arabia Facing Uphill Battle
Saudi Arabia are one of the mystery teams of the tournament, with the entire roster playing in the Saudi Pro League. In fact, their total squad transfer value is the second lowest in the competition only to Qatar, per transfermarkt.com.
However, this is the same team that topped a WCQ group that included Japan and Australia, though they did lose the xG battle 5.4-4.1 in the two matches against each of those teams.
Similar to the host country, manager Hervé Renard has had more time than all of the other teams to prepare with his players as the Saudi Pro League went on pause on October 16.
The added prep time will help the Saudi squad, but this is a big step in competition in this opening match.
Argentina vs. Saudi Arabia Prediction
As you would expect, bet has Argentina listed as the heavy favorite on the moneyline to go along with a total of 2.5. I don’t see much value in the side or total, but I do like a play in the props market.
My best bet is to back Martínez as an anytime goalscorer at +110.
I mentioned how well he played in the qualifying rounds, averaging 0.60 goals per 90 minutes and tying Messi for most goals on the team. He has also been in terrific form domestically.
For Inter Milan this season, the striker has found the back of the net eight times in all competitions and has dished out five assists.
Once you add in the fact that he will have the best playmaker in the world assisting him, Martínez is set up to have a great World Cup, which is why I also think he has a great chance to claim the Golden Boot for the player with the most goals.
I expect Argentina to get off to a winning start to the tournament, giving us a great shot to cash this prop.
The Pick: Anytime Goalscorer – Lautaro Martínez (+110)
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