Australia vs Egypt Prediction: World Cup Betting Tips & Odds

Odds provided by Betandplay

Australia and Egypt meet at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on Saturday morning New Zealand time in the Round of 32. 

In this Australia vs Egypt preview, I look at what separates these two and where the angle is. I have also got a pick at $2.50 I have been eyeing as one of my football expert tips this week.

Australia

Two goals scored, two conceded across three group games. Popovic has them well drilled in a 5-4-1 and Nestory Irankunda is the one attacking player who can change a game on his own.

I am worried about their creativity, though. Leckie and Italiano are both ruled out, and against Paraguay they failed to score despite controlling long spells of possession.

Team News: Leckie and Italiano ruled out. Beach expected in goal ahead of Ryan.

Predicted Lineup: Beach; Geria, Burgess, Souttar, Circati, Bos; Mabil, Irvine, Metcalfe, Irankunda; Toure.

Egypt

Egypt are in the knockout phase for the first time, and the big question is Mohamed Salah’s fitness. He came off against Iran with a hamstring strain and his availability has not been confirmed.

Omar Marmoush is the other forward capable of conjuring a goal out of nowhere. Fatouh is out with a hamstring tear, though Abdelmonem is expected to recover from his ankle bruise.

Team News: Salah a major doubt. Lasheen suspended. Fatouh out. Abdelmonem expected to be available.

Predicted Lineup: Shobeir; Hany, Rabia, Abdelmonem, Hafez; Attia, Ashour; Zico, Trezeguet, Salah; Marmoush.

• Australia have never won a World Cup knockout match.
• Australia failed to score in two of their three group stage matches.
• These two have met just twice before - Australia won on penalties after a 0-0 draw at the 1987 President’s Cup, while Egypt won 3-0 in a 2010 friendly.

I am going with Egypt here. 

Even with the Salah question mark, they have more attacking quality - five group stage points to Australia’s four, and a plus-two goal difference to zero. I would not be stunned if this went to extra time, but I think Egypt find a way through.

If you are watching this one through the NZ betting sites, the goals market is worth a look too.

Egypt to Win @ $2.50

Egypt have the better squad and, if Salah is fit, the best player on the pitch. I cannot see where Australia’s goals come from with Leckie and Italiano missing.

At $2.50 on the live betting sites, that is value I am happy to take.