- Argentina lead Group J with 3 points after beating Algeria 3-0 in their World Cup opener
- Austria also hold 3 points in Group J after dispatching Jordan 3-1 in their own tournament opener.
- Argentina have won their last 5 games in all competitions, scoring 14 goals and conceding just 2.
Argentina's build-up
Argentina have been in scintillating form under the stewardship of Lionel Scaloni, who has built a free-flowing, possession-based team since taking the reins in 2018. They play patient football, slowly building up their attacks, rotating players in different positions and playing on the transitions with the ability of Lionel Messi and Nico Gonzalez to unlock any defence.
Gonzalez, who chipped in with 1 assist in their World Cup opener, will provide a creative outlet for Argentina, while Messi's form has been exceptional. Messi has scored 3 goals in 1 World Cup match, and 5 goals in his last 5 appearances for Argentina.
Austria's relentless pressing
Ralf Rangnick has implemented his high-intensity, gegenpressing system with plenty of success during his short tenure as Austria boss. They have become a tough side to play against, with their relentless pressing and high energy approach often breaking teams down and allowing them to create chances at a rapid pace.
When Austria win the ball back, they are able to transition into vertical, direct attacks, which is the preferred way they attack in any case. Austria are at their best when they can press the opposition, and they will surely look to take the game to Dallas Stadium on Monday.
Expect goals at Dallas Stadium
This match is a fascinating clash between the two most successful sides in the world right now and I expect an exciting game in Dallas, USA.
Argentina have thrashed both Iceland and Algeria 3-0 in their previous 3 matches, albeit both of those games were at home. Austria beat both Republic of Korea and Tunisia 1-0 prior to their 3-1 win over Jordan, and have scored 10 goals in their 5-game unbeaten run.
The main goal threat for Austria will be Marko Arnautovic, who's already on the scoresheet in this group, while Xaver Schlager is a hardworking and relentless defensive midfielder who can also provide a consistent outlet.
Both of these teams are in exceptional form and are scoring plenty of goals, so I'm backing both teams to score and over 2.5 goals, which look like very good value. Over 2.5 goals is 1.97 and both teams to score - yes is 1.94.
