Argentina vs Iceland Prediction: Martinez and Messi to melt Iceland

World champions Argentina complete their preparations for the defence of the title they won in Qatar four years ago with a final friendly against Iceland in Auburn, Alabama on Wednesday (8pm Tuesday local/2am Wednesday BST).

This contest could provide Lionel Messi with a chance to stretch his legs ahead of Argentina's World Cup Group J opener against Algeria on June 16. Below you can find my Argentina vs Iceland predictions for this midweek encounter.

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Team News

Messi is being tipped to start, with coach Lionel Scaloni keen to get his captain into a rhythm before the tournament begins.

The other big news concerns the fitness of Julian Alvarez, who missed Sunday's 2-0 win over Honduras with an knock.

Nico Paz trained fully with the group after several days of recovery. The Como midfielder is expected to feature against Iceland and could even force his way into the starting line-up for the World Cup opener.

Exequiel Palacios is another player pushing hard for a starting role. His strong performance against Honduras on Sunday has reportedly impressed the coaching staff and, with Leandro Paredes still managing discomfort, Palacios may now be ahead in the midfield pecking order.

Emiliano Martinez is still recovering from a fractured finger, meaning Juan Musso could get the nod in goal again.

As for Iceland, goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson will be aiming to keep things tight on Wednesday, supported by a back three of Daniel Gretarsson, Hjörtur Hermannsson and Hörður Magnússon.

Further forward, coach Arnar Gunnlaugsson is expected to go with Orri Oskarsson as a lone striker, relying on the Real Sociedad forward to make the most of any chances that fall his way.

Argentina vs Iceland Odds

Argentina are heavy favourites at 2/11 to win in Auburn, while Iceland are 12/1 to cause an upset and the draw is 5/1.

Over 2.5 goals is 1/2, and BTTS is 5/4, while Messi is 4/9 to score at anytime and 9/5 to bag two or more goals.

Argentina to win both halves @ 11/10

Argentina were not at full strength against Honduras, yet still produced a controlled performance.

With Messi in line to start, Palacios pushing for a place and several players fighting for minutes, this should be a sharper, more assertive display.

Iceland will defend deep and rely on Valdimarsson and a back three to absorb pressure, but Argentina's technical superiority should tell.

With Scaloni demanding intensity ahead of the World Cup, backing them to win both halves at better than evens is appealing.

Lautaro Martinez to score anytime @ 8/11

Lautaro Martinez looked lively against Honduras on Sunday as he scored La Albiceleste's opening goal from the penalty spot, before providing the assist for Giuliano Simeone's second with a phenomenal backheel.

He has scored four goals in his last three games for Argentina now, including a brace against Puerto Rico last year after coming on in the 60th minute.

Alvarez's injury niggle makes the Inter Milan striker a strong candidate to start in the opening match against Algeria and he may see some action on Wednesday alongside Messi.

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