- 1 Argentina – Algeria: World champions begin their title defense in Kansas City
- 2 Argentina led by their legendary captain
- 3 Algeria want to shake up the global pecking order
- 4 Probable lineups
- 5 World Cup Prediction Argentina vs Algeria
- 6 Before we start, a word on our predictions
- 7 No commitment from us
- 8 Information that can change
- 9 Your role
- 10 Responsible play first
- 11 Legal age
- 12 About the images
Argentina – Algeria: World champions begin their title defense in Kansas City 
Children’s Mercy Park is ready to rock as Group J gets under way at this World Cup. Argentina take on Algeria on Tuesday night in Missouri in a clash that should have plenty of bite. For Argentina, this opener is the chance to stamp their authority as the clear favourite to go back-to-back. Against a proud, technical Algeria side, the Argentines will need to avoid the trap and start their bid for a historic repeat in the right way.
Argentina led by their legendary captain 
For this headline opener, Argentina arrive in fine shape, riding a superb run of seven straight wins in warm-up matches. Coach Lionel Scaloni only has to deal with the absence of full-back Nicolas Tagliafico, but Argentina have more than enough depth to cover it. In goal, they welcome back their safe pair of hands Emiliano Martinez, fully recovered from a finger injury. The attack will, of course, be led by the evergreen Lionel Messi, with Lautaro Martinez adding real threat alongside him. The crowd will expect a technical show from Argentina in their first outing of the summer. The midfield will be tasked with setting the tempo from the first whistle. An opening win would put La Albiceleste in a strong position before they face Austria. The whole country is behind its heroes.
Algeria want to shake up the global pecking order 
Algeria, meanwhile, are back at the World Cup finals for the first time since 2014 and they are not coming just to make up the numbers. Vladimir Petkovic’s team booked their place in America by cruising through their African qualifying group, finishing among the continent’s most prolific attacks. Even without injured defensive leader Ramy Bensebaini, the Desert Foxes still arrive with serious firepower. Led by captain Riyad Mahrez, Marseille forward Amine Gouiri and the relentless Mohammed Amoura, who scored 10 goals in qualifying, the Greens have enough threat to unsettle any back line.
Probable lineups
Argentina : E. Martinez ; Molina, Otamendi, Li. Martinez, Medina ; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Almada ; Messi, La. Martinez
Algeria : Zidane ; Belghali, Mandi, Chergui, Ait-Nouri ; Bentaleb, Boudaoui ; Mahrez, Maza, Amoura ; Gouiri
on MathODDS
World Cup Prediction Argentina vs Algeria
Both teams to score
This Group J opener should be wide open and full of attacking intent from two sides who share the same outlook. Argentina are a proper goalscoring machine, driven by Lionel Messi’s still-mighty talent and Lautaro Martinez’s sharp form. La Albiceleste have netted 21 times across their last seven friendlies and should find a way through an Algerian defence missing Bensebaini and, at times, looking shaky at this level.
Algeria, though, have every tool needed to hit back and get on the scoresheet in Kansas City. The Desert Foxes carry real pace on the break through Amoura and plenty of craft through Gouiri, both of whom can punish any gaps left by the Argentina back line. With Tagliafico missing down Argentina’s left side, there could be a weak spot Mahrez will be keen to exploit. There is also the memory of the last meeting between these nations, a 4-3 Argentina win. Another lively contest with goals at both ends looks more than possible.
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