Holders Argentina began at the World Cup with a routine win over Algeria and they will be eager to impress against a stronger Austria side in Arlington.
La Albiceleste began their World Cup defence in perfect fashion, defeating Algeria 3-0 in Kansas City, while Das Team also scored three in a 3-1 victory over tournament debutants Jordan to record their first win at the World Cup since 1990.
A victory for either team on Monday will secure a place in the knockout stages, although these two sides remain favourites to finish first and second in Group J regardless of what happens.
We’ve analysed the stats and browsed the World Cup betting markets for a Bet Builder for this match which pays out at 8/1 should it come in.
Argentina v Austria Bet Builder Tips
Holders target another dominate display
There was an early scare in Argentina’s opening match as Algeria looked to have opened the scoring thanks to an effort from Fares Chaibi. The goal was ruled offside, however, and the South Americans went on to control the game from there on in.
A hat-trick from Lionel Messi ensured La Albiceleste won their opening match as defending world champions for the first time, having lost in both 1982 and 1990.
In Qatar four years ago, Lionel Scaloni’s side lost to Saudi Arabia in their first match, but this was a completely different story.
While Austria sealed three points against Jordan, the debutants did perform well and can perhaps count themselves unlucky they didn’t manage to salvage a point.
If Argentina perform to the same standards as in matchday one, it could be a long evening for Ralf Rangnick’s team.
Leg 1: Argentina to win @ 4/7
Expect goals in Arlington
Across both matches combined, seven goals were scored on matchday one.
With Argentina not looking to drop their performance levels and Austria keen on securing a positive result which moves them into the last 32, there could be goals on Monday.
Three or more goals have been scored in five of Argentina’s previous seven matches, with two of Austria’s previous four games reporting the same number of goals.
Rangnick could bring veteran striker Marko Arnautovic back into the starting XI after his lively cameo against Jordan and this should give Austria an attacking boost.
Scaloni could make a few changes of his own, with Julian Alvarez pushing for a start, and, given the attacking options on both sides, this could be an exciting game.
Leg 2: Over 2.5 goals @ 7/8
Messi can make World Cup history
The greatest player of all time came into this World Cup with some fitness concerns and it looked as though Scaloni would have to be smart in how he utilised the 38-year-old Messi.
That theory was blown out of the water against Algeria, as Argentina’s talisman scored a stunning hat-trick that took him level with Miroslav Klose at the top of the all-time World Cup scorers chart with 16 goals.
With a win over Austria, Argentina would reach the last 32 and then perhaps Messi will get a rest. As for now, backing him to get on the scoresheet first against Das Team rounds off this bet builder.
If he does, he will become the leading scorer in the history of the World Cup.
Leg 3: Lionel Messi to score first @ 14/5
