Second choice to win it all Argentina begins their quest for a third World Cup title on Tuesday, when Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez lead the Argentinians versus Saudi Arabia. The Saudis are a massive over +1800 moneyline underdog. Argentina is a huge -2.5 favorite on the handicap. Will the Albiceleste cover the spread? Or will the Saudis play much better than anticipated? Keep reading for FIFA World Cup Odds, analysis, and a free pick for Saudi Arabia versus Argentina.
2022 FIFA World Cup Betting Analysis: Saudi Arabi vs Argentina Group C Matchup
Saudi Arabia versus Argentina Betting Lines and Match Info
- When: Tuesday, Nov. 22 at 5:00 am ET
- Where: Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail, Qatar
- TV/Streaming: FS1
- Handicap Odds: Saudi Arabia +2.5 -176 / Argentina -2.5 +138
- Moneyline Odds: Saudi Arabia +1850 / Argentina -625 / Draw +630
- Total Odds: O 2.5 -156 / U 2.5 +122
Why Saudi Arabia is a good play versus Argentina
On paper, it doesn’t look as if the Saudis have any shot. But Saudi Arabia’s defense has played great soccer in recent matches.
The Saudis haven’t conceded more than a single goal in their last 5. Saudi Arabia beat Iceland 1-0 on Nov.6, then in their next they forced a 1-1 draw with a solid Panamanian side. The 0-1 loss to Croatia in their last implies that leading up to their first World Cup game, the Saudis are playing well.
Saudi Arabia Last 5
- L – 0-1 vs. Croatia
- D – 1-1 vs. Panama
- W – 1-0 vs. Iceland
- D – 0-0 vs. Honduras
- D – 1-1 vs. Albania
Saudi Arabia Predicted Starting Lineup
- Al-Owais
- Altambakti
- Al-Amri
- Al-Shahrani
- Abdulhamid
- Ali-Hassan
- Al-Dawsari
- Al-Brikan
- Bahbri
- Asiri
- Al-Abid
Why Argentina is a good play versus Saudi Arabia
Argentina is playing as well as any team leading up to the World Cup. The Albiceleste has outscored their last 5 opponents by a combined 19 goals to 0.
The drubbings include beating Italy, Honduras, and Jamaica by 3-0. Granted, all five matches were international friendlies, but Argentina still dominated, which means the Argentinians are blasting opponents with bench players.
Argentina Last 5
- W – 5-0 vs. United Arab Emirates
- W – 3-0 vs. Jamaica
- W – 3-0 vs. Honduras
- W – 5-0 vs. Estonia
- W – 3-0 vs. Italy
Argentina Predicted Starting Lineup
- Emiliano Martinez
- Lisandro Martinez
- Otamendi
- Correa
- Gonzalez
- De Paul
- Paredes
- Di Maria
- Messi
- Lautaro Martinez
- Alvarez
Final Betting Analysis: Saudi Arabia vs Argentina
Argentina is ready for a deep championship run. The Argentinians are loaded at every level, including up front where Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Nicolas Gonzalez, and Paula Dyballa, if he’s healthy, could all see action.
Almost as important is the pace of the match. Argentina plays fast while the Saudis will try to slow it down and force a draw.
It’s impossible to stop the Albiceleste from playing their brand of football. Messi has become a secondary, possibly even third, option to Lautaro and Gonzalez. Unless Argentina somehow falls apart, the Albiceleste should have no trouble winning.
Expect a massive victory, something akin to England’s 6-2 beat down of Iran on Monday.
World Cup Pick: Argentina -2.5 +138
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