Prediction: Nigeria vs Argentina

Prediction: Argentina win

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: 888sport

Coming into this World Cup most people recognised that Group D was the Group of Death, and that’s how things have worked out for the most part. the unpredictability of the group has led to some of the most entertaining games of the tournament thus far, and that seems set to continue with just one set of fixtures remaining. Argentina will take on Nigeria in the final game for both teams in the group stages, which could also be their swansong for the entire World Cup as a whole.

Nigeria

Nigeria were in bad shape in the immediate aftermath of their loss against Croatia. They failed to show any real form of creativity, and as a result, many fans were writing them off before they were even given a real chance to show what they could do. Thankfully, against Iceland, they were able to gel as a unit which allowed them to play the free-flowing football that their fans are so used to seeing. They’ll need to bring that confident play with them into this game if they want to make it through.

Team News

Nigeria’s new 3-5-2 formation seems to be working wonders for them, and they’ll probably keep that going against Argentina. Bryan Idowu and Tyronne Ebuehi are expected to fight it out for a place in the starting XI, but the rest of the team should remain the same.

Argentina

When you’ve got arguably the greatest footballer of all-time in your squad, there are always going to be high expectations placed on your shoulders. Unfortunately, the Argentina national team have been a shadow of their former selves over the last few years – and that’s carried on throughout this tournament. They need to put their performances against Iceland and Croatia behind them and view this as their first knockout game. Perhaps then they can claw back some of the respect they’ve lost.

Team News

Willy Caballero will likely be dropped following his mistake in the last game, with Franco Armani, Angel Di Maria and Ever Banega all being rumoured to come into the line-up.

Factors to Consider

• Argentina lead 5-2 in the head to head, although Nigeria won their last meeting 4-2 in November 2017.
• Nigeria lost their first WC game 2-0 against Croatia, winning their second 2-0 against Iceland.
• Argentina drew their first WC game 1-1 against Iceland, losing their second 3-0 against Croatia.
• Nigeria have scored two and conceded two so far in the tournament.
• Argentina have scored one and conceded four so far in the tournament.

Conclusion

This is a tricky one because we’ve seen what Argentina are capable of when they have their backs against the wall. While their defence is obviously poor, their attacking prowess speaks for itself. If they can piece together a few nice moves and get an early goal then there’s no reason for them to fear Nigeria, who showcased many of their weaknesses against Croatia. We think it’ll be close and we think that it’ll be extremely tense, but we’re predicting Argentina to come away with a 2-1 victory.

Prediction: Argentina win

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: 888sport