Reigning World Cup champions Argentina face Egypt for a place in the quarter-finals in Atlanta on Tuesday.
Argentina have advanced from five of their last six World Cup round of 16 ties and are warm favourites to get the better of Egypt at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, on Tuesday.
The South Americans were given a scare by Cape Verde, who took them to extra-time before sliding to a 3-2 defeat.
But they have far more big-match experience than Egypt, who are preparing for their first World Cup round-of-16 tie since a 4-2 loss to Hungary in 1934.
Holders Argentina are four steps away from a successful defence of the trophy and we have scoured the World Cup betting market for a Bet Builder for their contest with Egypt, which, if successful, returns odds of around 12/1 with Betway.
Argentina v Egypt Bet Builder Tips
Albiceleste can advance a step further
Argentina passed a tricky test against Cape Verde without playing at their best, but they should have learned from the experience and should have too much quality and nous for Egypt, who have done well to get this far.
Lionel Messi seems to hold the key for Lionel Scaloni’s side, who are looking to make further progress through what appears to be a favourable section of the draw.
The 39-year-old has helped himself to seven goals – matching his tally from Qatar 2022 – and is involved in a high-quality battle to secure the Golden Boot.
Offensively, there is a significant Argentinian reliance on the Inter Miami player, who has registered 24 shots in four appearances.
But Messi’s magic will only matter if Argentina can get back to the strong defensive habits they showed in the group phase.
Scaloni’s men breezed past Algeria (3-0) and Austria (2-0) and another shutout could follow against Egypt, who made hard work of ousting Australia in the previous round.
Egypt saw off the Socceroos due to their penalty-taking prowess, but they face a huge step up in class against the defending champions and may struggle to cope.
Leg 1: Argentina to win @ 7/20
Romero ready to open his World Cup account
Egypt were far from fully convincing against Australia, who caused them problems with deliveries into the penalty box.
The Socceroos looked to cross the ball as much as possible and were rewarded when Aiden O’Neill’s free-kick was inadvertently headed into his own net by Egyptian right-back Mohamed Hany.
Argentina should have taken note and will be keen to make use of their own set-piece threats.
Centre-back Cristian Romero settled their contest against Cape Verde with a deflected header, although the goal was credited to opposing player Diney Borges.
Romero is still searching for his first official World Cup goal but his wait could soon be over.
Leg 2: Cristian Romero anytime goalscorer @ 6/1
Pharaohs should keep things respectable
Egypt have advanced to this stage with little impact from their star forwards, Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.
The Pharaohs have shown good organisation and a competitive spirit in each game and can finish off with another honest performance.
Hossam Hassan’s side were beaten 2-1 by Brazil in a pre-tournament friendly and they can bow out with a respectable margin of defeat.
Leg 3: Under 4 goals @ 3/10
