Poland v Argentina predictions: Determined Albiceleste should find a way through

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

Where to watch

BBC One, 7pm

Best bet

Argentina to win & under 3.5 goals
1pt Evs BoyleSports, Coral

Poland could be a tough nut to crack for Argentina in their final Group C encounter but with Lionel Messi in decent form and an array of top attacking options on the bench, the Albiceleste should have enough to grind out a crucial win.

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Match preview

Lionel Messi dug Argentina out of a hole against Mexico on Saturday and the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner's genius could prove the difference in Wednesday's crunch final group clash with Poland.

Having suffered a shock 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia in their group opener, Argentina would have been eliminated from the World Cup had they lost to Mexico at the Lusail Iconic Stadium.

And Argentina fans would have been feeling the nerves as their side entered half-time level.

But after a flat first-half performance, Argentina's little maestro stepped up to the plate after the break, drilling a low shot from distance past Guillermo Ochoa to ease any tension.

Messi then set up star youngster Enzo Fernandez to score late on, securing a vital 2-0 win.

Saturday's success means Argentina know victory over Poland in Wednesday's final group encounter will guarantee them a spot in the last 16 and, although they have been at times stale and disjointed in their first two games, boss Lionel Scaloni has a plethora of match-winners at his disposal.

Poland are top of Group C after two games and will secure a knockout berth with a draw.

That scenario will suit Czeslaw Michniewicz's side, who are generally compact and tough to break down. Indeed, they are one of only three teams yet to concede at this World Cup.

However, offensively they have not looked as sharp with star man Robert Lewandowski often disconnected from the rest of the team.

Lewandowski at least broke his World Cup goal drought in Saturday's 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia, but the Poles did manage only three shots on target and saw only 36 per cent possession in that victory.

While Lewandowski is the Poles' undoubted star, their strength is at the back and Poland's game plan could focus on playing with a low block and limiting the space behind their defence.

That points to a low-scoring clash at Stadium 974 and it will likely be a case of Poland looking to repel wave after wave of Argentinian attacks.

But punters should fancy the Albiceleste to break through eventually with Messi's ability to create something out of nothing complemented by the twin threat of Julian Alvarez and Paulo Dybala off the bench.

A low-scoring Argentina win looks the most likely outcome in Doha and a bet on the Albiceleste to win and under 3.5 goals represents value.

Key stat

Argentina have lost only one of their last 38 matches.

Team news

Poland
Poland have no new injuries and could be unchanged from the win over Saudi Arabia.

Argentina
Full-backs Nahuel Molina and Nicolas Tagliafico may come into the starting line-up and could be joined by Enzo Fernandez, who scored in the win over Mexico.

Probable teams

Poland (4-4-2) Szczesny; Cash, Glik, Kiwior, Bereszynski; Zielinski, Bielik, Krychowiak, Frankowski; Milik, Lewandowski.

Argentina (4-3-3) E Martinez; Molina, Otamendi, Li Martinez, Tagliafico; Fernandez, Paredes, De Paul; Messi, Lau Martinez, Di Maria.

Inside info

Poland

Top scorer in probable team Robert Lewandowski
Star player Robert Lewandowski
Penalty taker Robert Lewandowski
Assist ace Piotr Zielinski
Set-piece aerial threat Kamil Glik
Card magnet Grzegorz Krychowiak

Argentina

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

Poland v Argentina Bet Builder

Argentina to win
This could be a tough match for Argentina but their superior cutting edge can see them over the line.

Lionel Messi to score first
Messi has had a hand in all three Argentina goals and the little magician could score for a third group game running.

Over 3.5 cards
There is a lot riding on this game and Poland picked up three yellow cards against Saudi Arabia last time out.

Price guide 5-1 with bet365