Argentina vs Iran tips, predictions, lineups and free bets (World Cup Group F - June 21, 2014)

Saturday, 21 June 2014 09:46
Written by David Bet

Argentina face Iran in Belo Horizonte on Saturday evening knowing that a success will see them advance to the last 16 of World Cup 2014. This is a match with a clear favourite and we don't expect huge surprises. This article contains a complete ARGENTINA v IRAN betting preview with tips, predictions, best odds, probable line-ups, free bets and no deposit bonuses on the match!

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ARGENTINA v IRAN BETTING PREVIEW

Argentina got underway with a hard fought win against Bosnia. That 2-1 win was not the most convincing but they got the three points in a much improved second half performance with Lionel Messi getting on the score sheet.

Alejandro Sabella opted for a more conservative 5-3-2 approach with some changes in his usual line-up, bringing in Maxi Rodriguez to replace Fernando Gago at the centre of the pitch. Now he is expected to revert the Argentinans back to their fruitful 4-3-3 formation with Messi, Aguero and Higuain up-front.

Iran held Nigeria to a goalless draw in their opening group, so they have leaked just one goal in their last five matches. The 4-5-1 formation will aim to frustrate Argentina and try to garner another "bore draw" but Argentina's forwards represent a massive step up in class for Carlos Queiroz’s side.

Left-back Hashem Beikzadeh is available again for the Asian side after missing the opener against Nigeria. Elsewehere, it is likely to be the same starting XI this time around for Iran.

We expect Argentina to control the game and have a 70-75% of ball possession. It will not be a goal festival but we expect Argentina to cover a -2 goals handicap.

ARGENTINA v IRAN PROBABLE LINEUPS

Argentina (4-3-3-): Romero; Rojo, Fernandez, Garay, Zabaleta; Mascherano, Rodriguez, Di Maria; Messi, Higuain, Aguero

Iran (4-5-1): Haghighi; Montazeri, Hosseini, Sadeqi, Beikhzadeh; Nekounam, Teymourian, Heydari, Hajsafi, Dejagah; Ghoochannejihad.