Argentina v Mexico predictions: Scaloni's stars can come out swinging

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Argentina v Mexico in World Cup Group C on Saturday.

Where to watch

ITV1, 7pm Saturday

Best bet

Argentina and under 4.5 goals
2pts 5-6 BoyleSports, Coral

Argentina's World Cup campaign got off to the worst possible start but the fightback can begin with a victory over Mexico, who looked an ordinary team in their 0-0 draw with Poland.

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Match preview

Argentina are on the ropes after their 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia but they can come out swinging and avoid an early knockout by defeating Mexico in Lusail.

Surprise results occur at every World Cup but the magnitude of Argentina's stunning loss to the Saudis is up there with some of the biggest upsets in the competition's history.

However, Argentina do not need to let it define their tournament and, if they are searching for a source if inspiration, they need look no further than the 1990 Argentina team, who bounced back from a 1-0 loss to Cameroon to forge a path to the final.

Argentina were runners-up on that occasion – losing 1-0 to West Germany – and they have been eased from 6-1 to 9-1 to succeed in Qatar, but they still have every chance of gathering the points required to reach the knockout stages.

Group C looks like being one of the most fascinating sections because every team fancies their chances.

However, Mexico will have to improve on their performance in Tuesday's 0-0 draw with Poland, when they offered very little despite carving out a 61 per cent share of possession.

Hirving Lozano was Mexico's most lively attacker against the Poles, but they lacked penetration through the middle with Raul Jimenez, El Tri's first-choice centre forward, looking short of match fitness.

Jimenez is the top scorer in the Mexico squad with 29 goals but he has been plagued by injuries and has not started for Wolves since a 0-0 draw at Bournemouth in August.

Mexico mustered just 17 goals in 14 games during qualifying and their lack of a cutting edge could mean that they miss out on a place in the knockout stage for the first time since 1990, when they were disqualified from competing.

Argentina are in a tough situation but they should be used to that by now, having made hard work of the 2018 group stage.

The Albiceleste never looked settled at Russia 2018, where they won just one of four matches, but they are capable of much better in Qatar if they can get back to the standards which helped them compile a 36-match unbeaten run.

Sometimes a long spell without a defeat can breed complacency and there was certainly a lack of concentration when Lionel Scaloni's side conceded two goals inside a mad six minutes against the Saudis.

Scaloni will not want to leave anything to chance for the match against Mexico, which looks a tougher assignment.

His team were hugely impressive this summer when defeating Italy 3-0 in the Finalissima and a return to those standards could leave the Mexicans thoroughly outclassed.

Key stat

Argentina have lost one of their last 37 matches

Team news

Argentina
Lionel Messi did not take part in full training on Thursday but is expected to start.

Mexico
No fresh injuries are reported and Raul Jimenez will be hoping for more minutes after coming off the bench against Poland.

Probable teams

Argentina (4-4-2) E Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; Di Maria, De Paul, Paredes, Gomez; Messi, L Martinez.

Mexico (4-3-3) Ochoa; Sanchez, Montes, Moreno, Gallardo; Herrera, Alvarez, Chavez; Lozano, Martin, Vega.

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

Mexico

Top scorer in probable team Hirving Lozano
Star player Hirving Lozano
Penalty taker Alexis Vega
Assist ace Alexis Vega
Set-piece aerial threat Cesar Montes
Card magnet Edson Alvarez

Argentina v Mexico Bet Builder

Argentina to win Expect a backlash from the wounded Argentinians, who should have too much quality and intensity for their opponents.
Lionel Messi to register an assist Messi has set up ten goals in the French top flight this season – more than any other player - and he can orchestrate a key moment against Mexico.
Edson Alvarez to be carded The Ajax player has been cautioned seven times for his club this season and he looks a strong candidate for a booking against Argentina.

Price guide 13-2