Benjamin Disraeli is credited with delivering the line “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.”
He could’ve been talking about the World Cup in Qatar so far. 49 goals scored in the opening 20 matches would suggest an entertaining enough start to the tournament but the true picture is that 13 of those 20 have gone under 2.5 goals, and four have ended 0-0. Additionally, just 14 goals (28.6%) have been scored in the first half of matches.
Goals will be on the agenda for Argentina who have left themselves with a lot to do to qualify for the knock-out stages. After losing what looked like their easiest match on paper they can afford nothing less than a win over Mexico in order to keep their last-16 chances in their own hands.
The Argentians could easily have been out of site against Saudi Arabia but for a few marginal offside decisions, that was before a spectacular collapse in the second half.
Opponents Mexico enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in their opener against Poland but had to survive a missed penalty to escape with a point. A point would do them again, setting up a showdown with Saudi Arabia next week.
Like most pundits the bookies believe it unlikely that Argentina will suffer two successive defeats, pricing Lionel Messi and co at 8/15 to get the show back on the road with a win. Mexico are 6/1 to pull off another surprise.
The little magician failed to sparkle on Tuesday despite scoring from the spot, but he’ll know this is the last chance saloon if he’s to lift the one major trophy that has eluded him. He’s even money to net again but it’s not all about Messi in this Argentina squad, Lautaro Martinez was unfortunate to have a goal chalked off earlier in the week and the Inter Milan striker is 7/4 to find the net this evening.
Robert Lewandowski missed the aforementioned Polish penalty and the Barcelona hitman is still in search of his first ever World Cup goal. The Poles struggled against Mexico and if Saudi Arabia can put in similar performance to that second half one against Argentina then the 7/10 on the White and Red looks on the short side.
Today’s clash has all the hallmarks of another low-scoring affair. Under 2.5 goals pays 8/11 and a goalless first half looks attractive at 13/8. No goal before the 32nd minute pays 5/6 – only four matches have seen a goal scored before that mark.
Match of the Day is at 4pm between France and Denmark. The Danes won both meetings between the countries in the recent Nations League edition so there’s revenge in the air for the French.
Didier Deschamps’ men impressed in a 4-1 win over Australia after going down to an early goal. It was a much-needed win for a squad who came in to the tournament with more questions than answers after that disappointing Nations League campaign and without the likes of Pogba, Kante and Benzema. But there’s ample ability in that squad and a win today would all but secure qualification.
Denmark huffed and puffed against Tunisia and will need a much-improved performance to take something from the French but they’ve certinaly had their number in recent meetings. A draw keeps them firmly in it with Australia still to come so they might set not to lose rather than go all guns blazing for the win.
But the French looked in the mood and could well deliver against the Danes when it matters most at 3/4.
Looking ahead to Monday and a South American double of Argentina to win today coupled with Brazil to beat Switzerland makes for an appealing 135/100 Double.
Super Singles
Double
- Argentina to win & Brazil to win (v Switzerland) 135/100 Bet365
Upcoming Match Previews & Tips
- Football Bet of the Day: Win or bust for Argentina
- Sat 10:00 Tunisia vs Australia
- Sat 16:00 France vs Denmark
- Sat 19:00 Argentina vs Mexico
- Sun 10:00 Japan vs Costa Rica
- Sun 16:00 Croatia vs Canada
- Sun 19:00 Spain vs Germany
Racing Tips
Saturday is jam-packed with quality jumps racing, but only two horses standout for Rizzel, both racing at Newbury.
As always, let us know your best betting tips and predictions for today in the comments section below and good luck with all your bets!
The post Saturday’s World Cup Top Tips: No Crying for Argentina Against Mexico appeared first on MrFixitsTips.
