Gabon vs Ivory Coast Prediction: Elephants to march on

Gabon head into Wednesday's clash with Ivory Coast (19:00 GMT, 4seven) knowing this is where their Africa Cup of Nations journey ends. Their opponents are level with Cameroon on four points and they will hope to retain top spot with a victory here in Marrakesh.

Read on for my Gabon vs Ivory Coast predictions, as well as the latest match odds and team news.

Team News

With Gabon's elimination already sealed, it doesn't really matter who takes to the field on Wednesday. Captain Bruno Ecuele Manga faces getting dropped after a horror show in the 3-2 defeat against Mozambique, in which he conceded a penalty.

So Mario Lemina may be partnered in defence by Alex Moucketou-Moussounda, who replaced the skipper in that match.

Striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will likely wish to start what looks to be his final appearance on the Afcon stage.

The Panthers have no injuries to worry about heading into this clash.

Football Odds

Ivory Coast also have no fitness concerns and with top spot still to play for, the Elephants will likely go full strength on Wednesday.

They only have two goals at the finals so far and both have come from Manchester United's Amad Diallo, who will be looking to inspire his side in attack for a third consecutive match.

He looks to be a fixture in the final three, and he may be aided in the attack by any two of Wilfried Zaha, Yan Diomande, Evann Guessand and Vakoun Issouf Bayo.

Gabon vs Ivory Coast Odds

Gabon are 7/1 to spring a surprise in this one.

The draw, which was the outcome when Ivory Coast took on Cameroon, is available at 3/1.

Ivory Coast are 4/9 (implied probability of 69.2%) to come away with the victory.

One of Betfred's Price Boosts has Guessand to score and assist in the game at 14/1.

Today's Football Fixtures

Match Result & Over/Under 2.5 Goals - Ivory Coast & Under @ 15/8

Given the circumstances heading into this game, I think this can end up being a routine victory for Ivory Coast. With nothing to play for, I can't imagine Gabon being up for a fight that will do nothing but mess up their opponents' plans.

The Panthers will be reeling from how this opportunity has slipped away from them and Ivory Coast will be waiting to pounce. The Elephants have performed well in Group F so far but I think there is still more to come from the defending champions.

I'm bolstering the price of an Ivory Coast victory by combining it with under 2.5 goals, which has been a winning selection in each of their last four matches heading into Wednesday.

This was also a successful bet in their past two meetings with Gabon, which came in World Cup qualifiers - the latest being a 0-0 draw in September.

Anytime Goalscorer - Amad Diallo @ 15/8

I don't want to toot my own horn but I did have Diallo down as the Ivory Coast's key player in our pre-tournament previews, and the United star is living up to the billing so far with two goals in as many games.

The attacker will need support from his teammates if the Elephants are to successfully defend their crown in Morocco. There will be time for that in the knockout stage, should they get the job done, but for now it seems that they can rely on his talent to get them through this labelled group of death.

The winger should be full of confidence after how the first two games have panned out and I think that 15/8 offers excellent value for him to get on the scoresheet in this contest.

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