Sweden-Argentina Betting Preview: Why there is value is backing both teams to score

06 Feb 2013 1:45:00 PM

With both sides in good scoring form and boasting an array of attacking talent, Phil Kitromilides can see goals at both ends this evening

The Friends Arena in Solna was treated to quite a showing in its inaugural match last November when Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored a hat-trick, including THAT goal, as Sweden beat England 4-2.

On Wednesday, the largest indoor arena in Europe sees Argentina visit with not only two proud footballing nations meeting, but two of the most gifted players ever to grace a field coming up against one another.

It may be Sweden v Argentina, but in some quarters it is being billed as Ibrahimovic v Messi, and Coral price a win for the home striker and his side at 5/2 (3.50).

The South Americans meanwhile are offered at 11/10 (2.10) with the draw available at 9/4 (3.25).

It is perhaps worth pointing out that Sweden are unbeaten in their last seven matches, during which time they have produced some eye-catching results including the aforementioned win over England and the stunning comeback from 4-0 down to draw 4-4 with Germany.

Argentina for their part have been in solid if unspectacular form, but with just one win in their last four away games, there might not be too many reasons to back the Albiceleste.

What does looking appealing is backing both teams to score and the price of 3/4 (1.75) is fractionally bigger than you might have expected for a game between two attacking sides.

Indeed Sweden have scored 12 goals in their last four games - including four times against Germany and England respectively - while Argentina have kept just one clean sheet in their last nine away matches.

This bet has paid out in four of Sweden's last five matches, and in eight of Argentina's last nine away games, therefore making it an extremely solid selection for this evening's encounter.

For a value bet take advantage of the fact that Lionel Messi is priced at 3/1 (4.00) to open the scoring, which is close to double the odds you usually get for him to break the deadlock in La Liga every week.

BET

OF THE

DAY

BEST BET

VALUE BET

Both teams to score at 3/4 (1.75) with Coral

Lionel Messi to score first at 3/1 (4.00) with Coral

Sign up with Coral for a £50 free bet and back Phil's selections for this match

Phil Kitromilides is a sports anchor working on TV in Madrid. You can also follow Phil on Twitter.

Inside Goal.Com

Goal interviews Katlego Mashego
Goal speaks with the current PSL top goalscorer Katlego Mashego who talks about his career at Moroka Swallows, the feeling of finishing as top goalscorer and his return to the national team
Ancelotti’s departure leaves PSG in a pickle
With the Italian bound for Spain, the Ligue 1 champions face an uncertain immediate future
SA Goal readers best comments of the week
Read our second installment of our Goal readers comments on all the big talking points in South African soccer over the week. Join the discussion on our Facebook and Twitter
Soulless EPL must face up to grim reality
After a season marred by controversy and a failure of its top teams to put up a credible Champions League challenge, the world's supposed best league is falling behind
The Bafana squad for Lesotho, CAR and Ethiopia
South Africa's Gordon Igesund has included a few unexpected players in his 25-men squad to face Lesotho before traveling to Ethiopia