ARGENTINA begin their quest for World Cup glory when they square off with Saudi Arabia at the Lusail Stadium on Tuesday morning.
The two-time world champions enter the winter showpiece in formidable form as they desperately-seek to bring their 36 year-wait to lift the trophy to an end.
Not only are Lionel Scaloni's side one of the favourites in the outright betting at 5/1 (Highbet) but they also have Italy's world record 37-game unbeaten run firmly in their sights.
La Albiceleste shouldn't have too many problems securing top spot in Group C where they have been housed alongside Poland, Mexico and opening opponents Saudi Arabia.
The Green Falcons are far from complete no-hopers but they face an incredibly tall order if they are to either match or exceed their 1994 efforts of reaching the round of 16.
Given that Hervé Renard ‘s team could hardly have asked for a tougher opening test, Saudi qualification hopes will likely rest on their subsequent pool fixtures with Poland and Mexico.
Outright Betting
Argentina, who failed to win their opening World Cup group stage game in 2018, are red-hot 13/100 (Highbet) favourites to hit the ground running.
These two nations played out a 0-0 draw when they last crossed paths over a decade ago but the same outcome here is an unfancied 119/20 (Highbet) while a shock Saudi Arabia success pays 163/10 (Highbet).
Betting Angles
Unsurprisingly, Lionel Scaloni's side are expected to make light work of Saudi Arabia so rather than heading down any goals or handicap route, it may pay to split stakes by merging an Argentina success alongside each of their two most likely goalscorers.
Backing Argentina to triumph with either Lionel Messi or Lautaro Martinez getting on the scoresheet will bring about a pair of 4/5 (Bet 365) and 11/8 (Bet 365) shots respectively and that looks like a tempting alternative angle of attack.
As already alluded to, Argentina enter the tournament in the midst of a 36-game unbeaten streak and that can be attributed to the imperious form of skipper Lionel Messi.
The Argentinian icon has been rolling back the years for both club and country this season, with the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner delivering an ominous warning to World Cup defences having scored 10 goals across Argentina's four pre- World Cup friendlies.
As for Lautaro Martinez, he was Argentina’s top scorer in qualifying and boasts an impressive return of 21 goals in 40 appearances for his country.
When you consider the fact that either Messi or Martinez have scored in each of Argentina's last eight victories, splitting stakes on the aforementioned Score/Win Doubles makes appeal.
That train of thought is also going to see me chance a Tuesday morning longshot by backing both of the aforementioned Messi and Martinez to score in an Argentina win at a tasty 10/3 (Bet 365).
Scaloni's side will see their curtain-raiser as a chance to lay down an early marker and it's not outside the realms of possibility that Argentina's deadly duo both do damage against underdogs Saudi Arabia.
This World Cup match between Argentina and Saudi Arabia will be played on Nov 22, 2022 and kick off at 10:00. Check below for our tipsters best Argentina vs Saudi Arabia prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
Argentina vs saudi arabia . Hometeam win +o15