Algeria-Cote d'Ivoire Betting Preview: Expect goals with the pressure off in Bafokeng

Jan 30, 2013 10:25:00 AM

With nothing but pride to play for, the Fennec Foxes take on Sabri Lamouchi's under-strength group winners. Al Hain-Cole expects the lack of pressure to lead to plenty of goals

With Cote d’Ivoire already having secured top spot in Group D, and Algeria doomed to an early exit from this year’s competition, Wednesday’s clash may seem like something of a dead rubber.

However, Sabri Lamouchi’s promise to use the game as an opportunity to give some of the younger players a chance should add some extra intrigue, while their opponents will certainly not want to return home after three straight defeats.

The prospect of a slightly weakened line-up explains Paddy Power’s seemingly generous 3/4 (1.75) odds on a victory for the tournament favourites, although their North African adversaries are still unfancied at 4/1 (5.00) to get the better of their under-strength opponents.

This pair last met at the Africa Cup of Nations back in 2010, when they played out a draw in normal time of their quarter-final clash, and you cant get odds of 5/2 (3.50) on them cancelling each other out this time.

With nothing concrete to play for, both sides can perform with an air of freedom in this encounter, meaning we should be in for an open game at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.

There will be none of the defensive football that has plagued some of the fixtures at this year’s competition, and The Elephants should be expected to provide yet more goals in this game.

At least three have been scored in each of the last five matches involving Lamouchi’s men, making odds of 11/10 (2.10) look unmissable on at least three goals going in today.

Changes in defence mean that some of these goals will probably end up in the Cote d’Ivoire net, and the most likely scorer for Algeria is undoubtedly Islam Slimani.

The Belouizdad striker hit five goals in five competitive games for the Fennec Foxes prior to this tournament, and is therefore good value at 2/1 (3.00) to get on the score sheet this afternoon.

If this match ends 0-0, Paddy Power will refund all losing First Goalscorer, Last Goalscorer, Correct Score & Scorecast singles.

BET

OF THE

DAY

BEST BET

VALUE BET

Over 2.5 goals at 11/10 (2.10) with Paddy Power

Islam Slimani to score anytime at 2/1 (3.00) with Paddy Power

Sign up with Paddy Power for up to £250 in free bets

Al Hain-Cole is a Liverpool fan, experienced tipster and avid follower of European football. He specialises in accumulators and if you would like to read more from Al you can follow him on Twitter here.

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