British & Irish Lions vs Argentina Prediction: Lions to put a marker down

The British & Irish Lions get their first run out ahead of their tour of Australia as they prepare to face Argentina in a warm-up game at the Aviva Stadium on Friday night (20:00, Sky Sports Action).

Alex Jack provides his best bets in his British & Irish Lions vs Argentina prediction piece, as well as all the essential team news and match odds for the encounter in Dublin.

Team News

Starting with the Lions, head coach Andy Farrell has gone with a front row of Ellis Genge, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Finlay Bealham, with skipper Maro Itoje and Tadhg Beirne in the second row.

Tom Curry, Jac Morgan and Ben Earl make up the back row, with Northampton Saints pair of Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith in the halves.

Bundee Aki and Sione Tuipulotu make up a formidable centre duo, while the Lions have pace to burn in a back three of Duhan van der Merwe, Tommy Freeman and Marcus Smith.

As for Argentina, Mayco Vivas, skipper Julian Montoya and Joel Sclavi start in the front row, with Franco Molina and Pedro Rubiolo in the engine room.

Pablo Matera, Juan Martin Gonzalez and Joaquin Oviedo form the back row, with Tomas Albornoz, Gonzalo Garcia in the half-backs.

Lucio Cinti and Justo Piccardo start in the centres, with Ignacio Mendy, Rodrigo Isgro and Santiago Carreras in the back three.

England & Irish Lions vs Argentina Odds

The Lions are the firm favourites to get off on the right foot at win on Friday night at 1/7, while Argentina are 9/2 to leave Dublin on the back of a famous win.

A draw at the Aviva is currently 28/1, while Argentina to be leading at the half-time whistle is currently 3/1.

British & Irish Lions -18 handicap @ 21/20

While this Lions squad are still somewhat disjointed at this stage of their development, there is enough in this starting XV to suggest they should have enough to overcome the Pumas in Dublin.

Mitchell and Smith in the halves is a reassuring combination with both players enjoying strong seasons for both Northampton and England.

The Saints stars can get the Lions playing in the right area of the field, while there is a pack there and dangerous runners outside to cause Argentina significant problems.

Farrell’s men should win and win well, as they prepare for the long flight Down Under.

Bundee Aki anytime tryscorer @ 12/5

Few would envy anyone who has to defend a centre partnership of Ireland’s Bundee Aki and Scotland skipper Soane Tuipulotu.

Both players are not just man mountains but smart footballers too and their ability to interchange from inside to outside centre should cause Argentina issues.

Aki has become a fan favourite at the Aviva Stadium and he is great value to go over from the Lions on Friday.

Click here for the latest Rugby Union Odds

Find more Rugby Union Betting Tips here at Betfred Insights