World Cup 2022 Tipsheet: Argentina can bounce back on Saturday

The first Saturday of World Cup 2022 throws up four potentially thrilling encounters, with France and Argentina among the teams in action. Football expert Robin Bairner previews each encounter.

Tunisia v Australia

Kick-off: 10am Saturday

After equipping themselves well against Denmark in their opening match of the competition, Tunisia will be aiming to keep their hopes of progression alive with a victory over an Australia team that was ultimately well beaten by France.

There was not a great deal of adventure shown by the North Africans against Denmark, while a lack of quality from the Socceroos means that this game is a liable to be a low-scoring affair. Odds of 1.69 look too short to back on the 'under 2.5 goals' market - indeed the price of 'over 2.5 goals' at 2.36 is arguably more appealing given the need for both teams to gain a positive result. 

Back Tunisia to get the win at 2.22. The early kick off slot should suit their players better as they are more acclimatised to the temperature, while there is simply more quality in their ranks than that of Australia. The Aussies have lost six of their last seven matches at the World Cup finals, and that run is set to continue.

Prediction: Tunisia to win @ 2.22

Poland v Saudi Arabia

Kick-off: 1pm Saturday

Saudi Arabia caused the sensation of the opening round of matches as they came from behind to beat Argentina 2-1. However, don’t expect a repeat of that victory against Poland, who were held 0-0 by Mexico.

The Saudis scored their two goals off an xG of just 0.16, but where they excelled was defensively. Their high line was questioned but ultimately worked effectively, even if they flirted with disaster on a couple of occasions. Their last-ditch defending was also impressive.

Poland, meanwhile, showed little offensive quality despite having arguably the best striker in the world in the form of Robert Lewandowski. With this in mind, a low-scoring match looks likely, with 1.79 on under 2.5 goals appearing an attractive price.

Similarly, backing against both teams to score may be a better alternative if the price goals above evens.

Prediction: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.79

France v Denmark

Kick-off: 4pm Saturday

Although France are favourites to win this game at 1.82, it’s hard to justify backing them at that price given Denmark have already picked up a couple of wins against Les Bleus in 2022. At 5.4 outsiders, the better odds are certainly on the Euro 2020 semi-finalists.

Denmark: struggled to fashion an opening in their first game

Perhaps the best way to get value from this match is not even on the Asian Handicap, where Denmark are a skinny looking 1.52 kicking off with a +1 advantage, but in terms of Draw no Bet, where they can be backed at a juicy 3.7. 

France are ailing under injury problems and, while they impressed in their opening match of the tournament, their opponents Australia were of a modest standard. Denmark, meanwhile, have only lost against Belgium, Croatia, Finland and Scotland in normal time in competitive football since October 2016. The Finland match, of course, was the game in which Christian Eriksen collapsed, and the Scotland game was a dead rubber for them as they had already qualified for the World Cup.

Prediction: Denmark Draw No Bet @ 3.7

Argentina v Mexico

Kick-off: 7pm Saturday

It’s all on the line for Argentina and Mexico on Saturday evening, with the loser of this match potentially facing an early departure from Qatar. This was not what the South Americans expected ahead of a shock 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia.

Despite the scoreline, though, Argentina played reasonably well against the Gulf side and boasted an xG more than two higher than their opponents. Additionally, they twice had goals disallowed for marginal offside calls.

Lionel Messi: will hope for a better Argentinian result on Saturday

Mexico, meanwhile, were the more adventurous side against Poland but lacked the quality to score and had to settle for a 0-0 draw.

Argentina don’t typically concede many goals. Before meeting the Saudis, they had leaked only two in nine matches in 2022. Look for that trend to continue on Saturday. The South Americans look a good bet to win without conceding at 2.34. A straight Argentina win, meanwhile, is priced at 1.61.

Prediction: Argentina to win to nil @ 2.34

Saturday World Cup 2022 Tips

Tunisia v Australia: Tunisia to win @ 2.22
Poland v Saudi Arabia: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.79
France v Denmark: Denmark Draw No Bet @ 3.7
Argentina v Mexico: Argentina to win to nil @ 2.34