Argentina vs Switzerland Prediction: World Cup Betting Tips & Odds

Odds provided by Betista

Argentina and Switzerland meet at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday afternoon New Zealand time in a World Cup quarter-final. 

Both sides had gritty performances to get here. Argentina came from 2-0 down against Egypt, scoring three in the final 13 minutes, while Switzerland ground out a 0-0 with Colombia before winning on penalties. 

In this Argentina vs Switzerland preview, I look at the key dynamics of this tie and a goals-market angle worth looking at if you’re keen on football betting tips this week.

Argentina

I don’t think the Egypt game exposed a side in crisis. Cristian Romero headed in from a Lionel Messi cross in the 79th minute, Messi himself levelled four minutes later off the bar, and Enzo Fernandez nodded home in the 92nd.

Messi now has eight goals at this tournament and 21 in World Cup history. He’s 39 and this is almost certainly his last crack at the trophy. I don’t fancy being the side trying to stop him.

Team News: Medina is a doubt with a calf issue. Gonzalez has an ankle sprain. Romero is fit.

Predicted Lineup: E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Li. Martinez, Tagliafico; De Paul, E. Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, J. Alvarez, L. Martinez.

Switzerland

Their gameplan against Colombia was defensive discipline first, second and third. They generated 0.35 xG in 90 minutes and won through Gregor Kobel’s heroics in the shootout.

Johan Manzambi is the story here. Their top scorer (three goals, two assists) suffered a knee injury before the Colombia match and missed it entirely. Blick reported he hasn’t been ruled out of the tournament, but his fitness for this one is uncertain. Without him, their counter-attacking threat drops off.

Team News: Manzambi is a major doubt. Widmer has a hip problem. Vargas and Sow came off the bench against Colombia.

Predicted Lineup: Kobel; Widmer, Akanji, Elvedi, Rodriguez; Xhaka, Freuler; Ndoye, Rieder, Vargas; Embolo.

• Argentina have won five and drawn two of seven all-time meetings with Switzerland.
• Messi has scored in five consecutive World Cup matches this tournament.
• Switzerland have conceded just one goal across their last three games.

I’m backing Argentina to edge out a brutal match here at the death. Switzerland won’t roll over, but Argentina’s quality in the final third is a level above anyone the Swiss have faced so far. A 2-0 Argentina win feels about right. If you’re keen to bet on NZ betting sites, focus on the second half.

Argentina to Win and Under 3.5 Goals @ $2.40

I can’t see Switzerland contributing much going forward without Manzambi at full fitness. Argentina will control this but won’t run away with it - a 1-0 or 2-0 covers this combination nicely.

At $2.40, it’s a pick I’m happy to back on the best live betting sites this Sunday.