Equatorial Guinea vs Algeria Prediction: All or nothing for National Thunder

Algeria have already sealed top spot in Group E at the Africa Cup of Nations, so they can afford to take things easy in their final match against Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday (16:00 GMT, 4seven) as the pair meet in Rabat.

Their opponents have everything riding on this as they have not put a single point on the board yet. Below are my Equatorial Guinea vs Algeria predictions, featuring the latest match odds and team news.

Team News

With everything on the line for Equatorial Guinea, boss Juan Micha may have no choice but to restore Emilio Nsue at the top end of the pitch. National Thunder have only managed one goal from their first two matches while Nsue bagged five in the previous edition in the Ivory Coast, finishing as the tournament's top scorer.

The captain would likely replace Loren Zuniga, who has started both matches to date, in the final third.

Santiago Eneme and Pedro Obiang were both forced off with injuries in the defeat to Sudan, and so Pablo Ganet and Josete Miranda might return to the starting XI in their place.

Basilio Ndong remains suspended following his red card against Burkina Faso.

Football Odds

Jaouen Hadjam (ankle) and Samir Chergui will both need to be monitored for Algeria ahead of the game, with both players carrying knocks.

Boss Vladimir Petkovic may treat this game as an experiment to get a closer look at some of the fringe players of his squad, who will be desperate to play their way into his thinking for the knockout stage.

Equatorial Guinea vs Algeria Odds

Equatorial Guinea are 4/1 to claim the victory they need but they have won just two of their previous seven games.

Three of their past 10 outings have been draws, and this result may appeal should Algeria rotate heavily. This is marketed at 12/5.

Algeria are 8/11 (implied probability of 57.9%) to collect the three points.

Riyad Mahrez is the joint-top scorer in Morocco with three goals to his name already. The Algerian attacker is 13/8 to score anytime.

Today's Football Fixtures

Double Chance - Equatorial Guinea or Draw @ 1/1

The onus is on Equatorial Guinea here. If they wish for their Afcon campaign to continue they will need to have to win this contest to give themselves their best chance of progressing to the knockout stage.

Algeria have been the best team in the group by far but this part of the job is done so the Desert Warriors can afford to take things easy here so that they are replenished for the next round.

For their opponents, this could work out in their favour but they need to sharpen up in front of goal, and the proposed return of Nsue might just help them with that. Everything is on the line for them but whoever plays for Algeria will look to put in a good performance to strengthen their chances of starting regularly.

I think the sensible play here is to cover double chance.

Both Teams To Score - Yes @ 11/10

Equatorial Guinea need to demonstrate their attacking quality here as one goal from the opening two matches is very disappointing. If Algeria do make a raft of changes, Equatorial Guinea will have a great opportunity to improve their fortunes in front of goal.

And any fringe player who comes in for Algeria will be out to make an impact in the hope of gaining more minutes during the knockout stage. I think backing both teams to score in this contest has value because Equatorial Guinea will throw everything they have got here, while Algeria have not been struggling for goals.

This was also a winning selection in Equatorial Guinea's defeat to Burkina Faso.

Double Delight & Hat-trick Heaven

Pre-match single on First Goalscorer market in selected games. Paid in cash upon market settlement. 90 mins only. T&Cs Apply.

Sports Welcome Offer

New customers only. Deposit via Debit Card & place first bet £10+ (1/1+) on Sports in 7 days. £30 Sports & £20 Acca Free Bets within 10 hrs of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility, payment excl. & T&Cs Apply.

You can read all our latest Football Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights content hub.