SlipsTips shares a Bet Builder ahead of Argentina's clash with Cape Verde at the World Cup on Friday night.
Argentina vs Cape Verde, Friday (23:00)
Argentina continue the defence of their World Cup crown when they face Cape Verde at Hard Rock Stadium on Friday night.
Lionel Scaloni's side have enjoyed a flawless start in their bid for back-to-back titles, winning all three of their Group J fixtures to secure their place in the knockout stages.
Cape Verde, meanwhile, have reached the knockout rounds on their World Cup debut after collecting three draws in Group H to finish behind Spain.
Argentina Win
For the first leg of the Bet Builder, I'm backing Argentina to win. Not only did Lionel Scaloni's side triumph in all three of their group matches, they also arrived at the tournament on the back of seven successive friendly victories.
That 10-game winning run is made all the more impressive by the fact that La Albiceleste have kept a clean sheet in eight of those matches. Cape Verde have punched well above their weight to reach this stage, but it is difficult to see their journey continuing now that they are up against Lionel Messi and co.
Lionel Messi To Score or Assist
Speaking of Lionel Messi, I'm backing the Argentine icon in the next selection for either a goal or an assist. Messi has rolled back the years to light up the early stages of the World Cup, scoring six goals across Argentina's three group stage matches.
His overall international record now stands at a remarkable 123 goals in 202 appearances, along with 64 assists for good measure. With that in mind, Messi looks well placed to add to his incredible tally against Cape Verde in Miami on Friday night.
Under 4.5 Goals
Argentina’s success since the start of the decade has been built on a strong defensive base. With that in mind, the third leg of the Bet Builder is under 4.5 goals.
All three of Argentina’s wins at the World Cup so far have featured four goals or fewer, a pattern that also held true in five of their seven victories leading into the tournament. That trend looks set to continue against a Cape Verde side that kept clean sheets against both Spain and Saudi Arabia in their group stage matches.
Over 3.5 Argentina Corners
The final selection in the Bet Builder is Argentina to record at least four corners.
Cape Verde showed during the group stage that they can be stubborn opponents, so Argentina may need to be patient in their search for a breakthrough. Notably, the Blue Sharks conceded 11 corners against both Spain and Uruguay.
Argentina registered six corners in their last outing against Jordan, so four or more should be comfortably within reach in this round of 32 clash.
Recommended Bet
- Argentina Win
- Lionel Messi To Score or Assist
- Under 4.5 Goals
- Over 3.5 Argentina Corners
- Bet Builder – 10/11 (bet365)
Grant Heaney, aka SlipsTips, is a Freelance Football and Darts Writer with over six years experience. Grant has written football and darts betting content for some of the biggest betting websites and newspapers in the UK. He is a Falkirk season ticket holder and avid watcher of football and darts, whether it be UK-based or further afield. You can find all of his tips on X @SlipsTips
GambleAware