Argentina v Australia predictions: Last eight in sight for Scaloni's side

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Argentina v Australia in the last 16 of the World Cup on Saturday.

Where to watch

BBC One, 7pm Saturday

Best bet

Argentina and over 2.5 goals
1pt 10-11 bet365

Argentina have improved in each match since losing 2-1 to Saudi Arabia and should be far too strong for Australia, who are likely to lose out in a high-scoring encounter.

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Match preview

Argentina have effectively been playing knockout football since losing their opening match 2-1 to Saudi Arabia but they have thrived under the pressure and can cruise through to the World Cup quarter-finals with a high-scoring success over Australia in Al Rayyan.

World Cup-winning teams often have a knack of peaking at the right time and there has been encouraging progress from Lionel Scaloni's side.

They went into their second Group C match against Mexico knowing that a defeat would mean an early flight home and there were a few nerves flying around until Lionel Messi's superb 64th-minute strike.

Messi's demeanour was transformed by that magic moment against the Mexicans and his improvement soon rubbed off on the players around him.

The PSG man is integral to Argentina's challenge, but there were some positive signs from the supporting cast against Poland when Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez got on the scoresheet in a thoroughly dominant 2-0 success.

It was the first time since the 3-0 victory over Italy in the Finalissima that Argentina had won a match without Messi scoring, and it was undoubtedly their best performance of the group stage.

Winning the group put Argentina into a favourable part of the draw and they could not have asked for much better round-of-16 fixture.

Australia surpassed expectations by reaching the knockout rounds and deserve huge credit for responding to a 4-1 loss against France with hard-fought 1-0 successes over Tunisia and Denmark.

They played a counter-attacking style in each of those victories with centre-back Harry Souttar and midfielder Aaron Mooy delivering huge performances.

But Socceroos manager Graham Arnold has had little time to get his players refocused and reenergised for an even tougher assignment and it is hard to see them running the Argentinians close.

Australia will try to get players forward when the opportunity arises, either through swift breaks or from set pieces.

They scored counter-attacking goals in each of their group-stage matches, but also pose a threat from corners and free kicks thanks to the aerial ability of centre-backs Kye Rowles and Souttar.

It is possible that Arnold's spirited side will maintain their scoring streak, but their defence will be in for a tough night.

There should be plenty of entertaining fare but the biggest celebrations are likely to come from the large and vocal Argentinian travelling support, who are likely to be extending their stay in Qatar.

Key stat

Seven of Australia's last eight defeats in World Cup matches have featured at least three goals

Team news

Argentina
Argentina's 2-0 success over Poland was their best performance of the tournament and head coach Lionel Scaloni may be reluctant to make changes.

Australia
No fresh injuries are reported but Keanu Baccus is pushing for a start after replacing Craig Goodwin at half-time in the 1-0 victory over Denmark.

Probable teams

Argentina (4-3-3) E Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuna; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Di Maria, Messi, Alvarez.

Australia (4-4-2) Ryan; Degenek, Souttar, Rowles, Behich; Leckie, Mooy, Irvine, Baccus; McGree, Duke.

Inside info

Argentina

Top scorer in probable team Lionel Messi
Star player Lionel Messi
Penalty taker Lionel Messi
Assist ace Lionel Messi
Set-piece aerial threat Cristian Romero
Card magnet Nicolas Otamendi

Australia

Top scorer in probable team Mathew Leckie
Star player Harry Souttar
Penalty taker Mitchell Duke
Assist ace Riley McGree
Set-piece aerial threat Harry Souttar
Card magnet Jackson Irvine

Argentina v Australia Bet Builder

Argentina to win
Argentina's confidence is on the rise after their victories over Mexico and Poland and they should have few problems despatching Australia without need of extra-time.

Over 2.5 goals
Australia are unlikely to go quietly and could find a consolation goal in a high-scoring game.

Julian Alvarez to score the first goal
The Manchester City striker seized his opportunity by scoring the second goal against Poland and he looks a strong candidate to break the deadlock.

Price guide 15-2