Argentina v Switzerland Betting Markets
Argentina are priced at 1.70 to claim a quarter final victory against Switzerland, although some punters will be wary of backing La Albiceleste at these odds. Lionel Scaloni's team have been given a fairly easy passage through to the last eight and it began with a favourable group which included Austria, Algeria and Jordan.
After three straightforward wins, the South American side were then given a scare by Cape Verde before coming through in extra-time against the debutants. Then Egypt were two goals to the good and looking in great shape before the current champions found a way of overhauling that deficit to set up this match.
It doesn't bode well for this quarter final showdown, with the defence looking ropey and it won't have gone unnoticed by Switzerland. Murat Yakin's team started the tournament slowly when being held by Qatar in Group B before landing victories against Bosnia and Canada to cement top spot in the section.
The Swiss were then comfortable winners against Algeria before holding a dangerous Colombia team over 120 minutes. The deadlock wasn't broken before the former held their nerve to go through on spot kicks. You could argue that Los Cafeteros are a stronger team than the Argentines and perhaps their shortcomings can be laid bare here.
The draw is a major runner here considering that was the outcome when Argentina played Cape Verde and they could well have ended up into extra-time against Egypt had it not been for Enzo Fernandez getting on the end of a cross to head his team into the final eight of the competition.
This Kansas City showdown could well be a tense one and we are happy to oppose Argentina at the prices. They were flagging for large parts of the previous game and the energetic Swiss may be able to take an advantage.
Goals Under/Over
Argentina have played out two high-scoring matches during the knockout stage of the World Cup, although the bookies still have Under 2.5 Goals as the favourite on this market. La Albiceleste had a five-goal thriller against Egypt and that followed a 3-2 extra-time success against Cape Verde. However, it's worth noting that the latter victory came after the score was 1-1 at the final whistle.
Switzerland are pragmatic and that was in evidence against Colombia where they spent large parts of the clash aiming to keep Los Cafeteros at bay. They previously overcame Algeria by a 2-0 scoreline and the defence has been robust all the way through the competition. There will be special attention afforded to Lionel Messi who continues to be the lynchpin of the reigning champions.
We're leaning towards a low-scoring clash and Argentina may well revise their tactics considering that they were left open against an Egypt side who had a goal disallowed en route to taking a two-goal lead.
BTTS
According to the World Cup betting sites, there's a strong likelihood that BTTS No will happen. Switzerland played out a goalless draw against Colombia and it was their third consecutive clash where BTTS No happened. The only goals that they have conceded in the tournament was a last-gasp equaliser against Qatar along with a consolation goal against Bosnia when the Swiss were firmly in the ascendancy.
There's a 60% chance of BTTS No happening, although Argentina have been involved in two BTTS Yes games against Cape Verde and Egypt. It was inconceivable that they conceded two goals against the former, with the Pharaohs having also scored twice against La Albiceleste and they also had a goal chalked off.
It may be that Argentina's best form of defence is attack. With Lionel Messi in the team, there is always the chance of a goal being scored, although we can't ignore the fact that this is a World Cup quarter final where the stakes are high. Lionel Scaloni will be looking to tighten things up defensively and certainly improve the team when they're in transition.
First Goalscorer
The most popular First Goalscorer selection will be Lionel Messi and it's hardly a surprise. The Argentine's sweet strike means that he now tops the charts once again, with the Inter Miami forward cutting a tearful figure at the full-time whistle. He's pilfered eight goals and it's notable that none of his team-mates have any more than one goal on the board.
There are five Albiceleste players who have all notched a single goal, with that including Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez. It's clear that the centre halves boast a threat from set pieces and might be worthy of consideration, especially if you're expecting a tight encounter. Giovani Lo Celso, Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez have also found the net during this tournament.
Johan Manzambi has been the breakthrough star for Switzerland this World Cup, although a knee injury could prevent him from lining up. The Freiburg forward has three goals on the board, with Breel Embolo and Ruben Vargas having both scored twice in this World Cup. Dan Ndoye and Granit Xhaka have both also found the net, with the latter potentially on spot kick duties for his country.