Argentina the current world champions are getting set to defend their big title in just about two weeks time and with Lionel Messi still in the mix plus most of the heroes from the last World Cup the vibes are strong for another strong run. The team has barely lost in the last four years both in official games and friendlies and they have been putting smaller sides to the sword left right and centre. In their last ten outings they picked up eight wins with just one loss to Ecuador and they cruised through World Cup qualification without any real drama finishing well inside the top six. Along the way they even dished out a 4-1 thrashing to neighbours Brazil and in five recent friendlies they won all of them while banging in sixteen goals including a 6-0 demolition of Puerto Rico and a 5-0 win over Zambia.
Team Form
Since lifting the World Cup trophy Argentina have looked like a side that rarely drops points especially when playing at home where the crowd support gives them extra energy. Their attack keeps firing even without Messi on the pitch and against weaker opposition they often run up big scorelines. Honduras on the other hand missed out on the World Cup completely after failing to reach even the playoffs due to goal difference and that has left them with little momentum going into this fixture.
- Eight wins in the last ten games overall
- Only one defeat in recent outings against Ecuador
- Five straight wins in friendlies with sixteen goals scored
- Big home victories like 6-0 and 5-0 in recent friendlies
Tactical Analysis
Argentina usually dominate possession and use their quick wing play plus strong midfield control to break down defensive setups and when they get going the goals come in bunches. Honduras have always struggled against top sides in head to head records and their lack of recent big tournament experience means they may struggle to cope with the pace and quality on show. The home side also benefits from familiar conditions and a motivated squad looking to build confidence ahead of the title defence.
- Strong midfield control and wing play for Argentina
- Honduras missing big tournament rhythm
- Home advantage and fan energy boosting the champions
- History of heavy defeats for Honduras against Argentina
Betting Proposal
The types for this one point towards a big home win and with Argentina rarely struggling against sides like Honduras a handicap bet looks the smart move. Argentina to win by three goals or more at handicap minus 2.5 with odds of 2.10 stands out as the value play here. The champions have shown they can run up the score in friendlies and their form suggests they will handle this one comfortably while keeping their defence tight. Overall this fixture shapes up as a chance for Argentina to fine tune their attack and send a message ahead of the World Cup defence.
In the end the gap in class and recent results makes this a banker type of game for the home side to cover the handicap with plenty of room to spare.
