- Argentina have won 5 games in a row, including 2-0 and 3-0 victories at home to Honduras and Iceland.
- Algeria have also won their last 2 away from home, beating Netherlands 1-0 and Bolivia 4-0.
- Argentina are unbeaten in 7 home games, Algeria are unbeaten in 4 away games.
Scaloni's side in supreme form
Argentina enter their first group match as defending champions full of confidence and momentum. Lionel Scaloni's tactical vision has created an unstoppable force since 2018, with Argentina's possession-based style and Messi's creative hub consistently delivering. The Albiceleste are strong all over the pitch with Messi still the heartbeat of their attack, Enzo Fernández their metronomic tempo controller, and Julián Álvarez an energetic finisher who loves to pounce on the chances created by Messi's intricate play. Defensively, Scaloni's team are also rock-solid, conceding only 2 goals in their last 7 home matches in all competitions.
Fennec Foxes have turned a corner
Algeria will be a very different opponent to the teams Argentina have recently faced, and the Fennec Foxes are on an upward curve themselves. They are playing their first game at the World Cup finals in 12 years, but Vladimir Petković has done a fine job instilling a tough, counter-attacking system since taking over earlier this year.
This team are compact, disciplined, and can hurt opponents on the break with a good wing play and pacey front line, while their ability to soak up pressure in the defensive third is second to none. The most impressive thing about Algeria's recent rise up the rankings is their away form - they've won all 4 away games, including a 1-0 triumph against the Netherlands and a 4-0 demolition of Bolivia.
An exciting Group J clash
With both teams in excellent form across all competitions, this has all the ingredients of a classic matchup, with the form of the teams set to collide in Kansas City. Argentina are the favourites at 1.42, which does not surprise me, while Algeria are massive outsiders at 9.3.
Backing the team to snag a result has some appeal here, but Scaloni's squad have been so dominant that I'll side with them to edge it out. Algeria can cause problems on the counter and have scored 10 goals in their last 4 games on the road in all competitions, so backing 'Both teams to score - No' at 1.62 could also prove profitable.
Riyad Mahrez is Algeria's chief creator, while Amine Gouiri has 4 goals in his last 5 games and is the most in-form striker in their front three, which has scored 12 times in the same period.
