Argentina vs Egypt Prediction: La Albiceleste to book quarter-final spot

Argentina continue their World Cup defence when they face Egypt in the last-16 stage at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Tuesday (12pm local, 5pm BST, ITV1).

La Albiceleste were forced to dig deep in the last round, requiring extra-time to beat Cape Verde 3-2, but they are now a step closer to becoming the first nation to retain the title since Brazil in 1962. Below you can find my Argentina vs Egypt prediction, featuring team news and more.

Team News

Argentina came through their gruelling last-32 win over Cape Verde with a few fitness concerns.

Facundo Medina was forced off with what was described as cramp and will be assessed, while Nico Gonzalez is doubtful with an ankle injury.

Egypt also have defensive worries, with Karim Hafez and Mohamed Abdelmonem both doubtful through injury.

Argentina vs Egypt Odds

Argentina are 4/11 to win inside 90 minutes, with Egypt 17/2 and the draw 7/2.

The reigning champions are 1/7 to qualify, while Egypt are 4/1 to progress.

Argentina -1 handicap to beat Egypt @ 23/20

Argentina breezed through the group stage at the World Cup, defeating Algeria, Jordan and Austria and covering the -1 handicap in each of those victories.

A last-32 tie against Cape Verde was the reward for topping Group J and La Albiceleste perhaps underestimated their opponents, who drew all three matches to reach the knockouts.

Twice Argentina were pegged back, which meant extra-time was required, before the reigning champions landed the killer blow to win 3-2.

That scare should be a wake-up call for the Argentines and a more polished performance is expected against Egypt, who needed penalties to beat Australia in the last 32 after the scores were level at 1-1.

One player Argentina have leaned on heavily in this tournament is veteran forward Lionel Messi, who became the first player to score seven goals in two separate World Cups when netting against Cape Verde.

The former Barcelona star has scored seven of his country’s total 10 goals in this event and he can inspire his side to glory once again.

Egypt have scored more than one goal in just one of their four matches and there looks to be every chance that Argentina can cover a -1 handicap.

*Click here for the latest World Cup Odds

Draw/Argentina half-time/full-time @ 3/1

Egypt will try to keep things tight for as long as possible and a defensive approach is expected, especially in the opening half.

With Argentina requiring extra-time in the last 32 and Egypt going all the way to penalties, there could be some tired legs early on in this battle for a place in the quarter-finals.

Egypt have conceded only three first-half goals in their last 10 internationals and they can frustrate Argentina, who will need to be patient.

La Albiceleste's quality should eventually tell and should they get the expected opener after the break, this will force Egypt to commit more bodies forward in search of an equaliser.

The defending champions will then be able to pick off Egypt and the half-time/full-time selection of draw/Argentina provides good value.