Algeria Looking to Shake off Poor AFCON Showing
Algeria vs Guinea WC Odds: Key Qualifier in Algiers
First Real WCQ Test for Algeria
Algeria’s showing at the Africa Cup of Nations was poor enough for the Algerian Football Federation to dismiss longtime coach Djamel Belmadi. Now, former Switzerland manager Vladimir Petkovic will lead Algeria into a new era. The Fennec Foxes host Guinea in a World Cup Qualifier on Thursday and head to Uganda next Monday. Guinea (1-1) were AFCON Quarterfinalists and this will be the first real test for Algeria (2-0) in World Cup qualifiers. We’ll preview the Algeria vs Guinea WC odds for Thursday’s key qualifier.
Algeria vs Guinea
Day/Time:
Location: Nelson Mandela Stadium, Algiers, Algeria
Algeria vs Guinea Head-to-Head:
This is the first chance to bet on the Algeria vs Guinea WC odds in qualifiers since 1972. The two sides have met four times in the past decade, as Algeria hold a 3-1 record in those matches. Most recently, Algeria and Guinea met in a 2022 friendly where Algeria’s Islam Slimani scored the game’s only goal.
Petkovic Ushers in Risky New Era for Algeria
New coach Vladimir Petkovic is taking Algeria in a clear new direction by leaving out players like Riyad Mahrez, Islam Slimani and Youcef Belaili from his squad. Mahrez was previously Algeria’s captain and he just finished the Saudi Pro League season with the most assists in the league. Meanwhile, Slimani is Algeria’s all-time leading scorer.
If Algeria can grab two wins vs Guinea and Uganda, Petkovic will be backed by the fans and football federation alike. However, a slip up here would certainly lead to questions, at the very least. In Petkovic’s first two matches as coach, both friendlies, Algeria defeated Bolivia 3-2 and drew vs South Africa, 3-3. So, we don’t expect Algeria to be world beaters defensively, especially with key defender Ramy Bensebaini out injured.
In Africa’s World Cup qualifiers, Algeria won their first two matches last November. They could get out to a commanding lead in their group if they’re able to pick up six points this month. With Fares Chaibi also left out of Petkovic’s squad, expect the likes of Yacine Brahimi, Yassine Benzia, Ismael Bennacer, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Aissa Mandi to be key players.
Guirassy Looking to Hit the Ground Running
Serhou Guirassy had an incredible season for Stuttgart. If not for Harry Kane’s 36-goal campaign, Guirassy would have won the Bundesliga’s Golden Boot. The Guinea striker scored 28 goals in 28 games and helped Stuttgart qualify for the Champions League. However, Guirassy hasn’t done as well with the national team. He’s scored just three times in 16 games for Guinea but he’ll be looking to hit the ground running in this pair of qualifiers vs Algeria and Mozambique.
To stay in the hunt for qualification, Guinea would do well to get a result here. They’re currently 1-1 on the World Cup schedule for qualifiers, with a win vs Uganda and loss at Botswana. Guinea’s captain Naby Keita is not in the squad, as he had a horrific season with Werder Bremen. He was suspended for Werder Bremen’s last five matches of the season after leaving Leverkusen before a match when he wasn’t named in the starting XI.
Forward Morgan Guilavogui is also missing from Kaba Diawara’s squad. Defender Mouctar Diakhaby recently had knee surgery and fellow defender Mohamed Ali Camara is also absent. Midfielders Seydouba Cisse and Aguibou Kamara had good seasons for their club teams but it’ll be hard for Guinea to match up with Algeria’s midfield.
Match Analysis & Odds
With how many goals Algeria have scored, and conceded, under Petrovic so far, it may be worth looking at the totals for this match. Currently, over 2.5 goals come in at +105 odds and under 2.5 sits at -135 . Guinea have also scored in seven of their last eight matches, in all competitions, and they need Guirassy and Mohamed Bayo to step up here.
Without key players on both sides, the Algeria vs Guinea WC odds for qualifiers price hosts Algeria as -165 favorites. Surely, we’re quite a long ways away from the World Cup Final, but three points are crucial for the Fennec Foxes here. Guinea are +500 underdogs for this one and they’re 0-1-2 in their last three competitive road matches.
A draw (+260) would be somewhat disappointing for Algeria and fans may start questioning why Mahrez and Chaibi weren’t called up. Bettors can take Algeria -0.5, -1 at -125 and Guinea +0.5, +1 shows +105 for Thursday’s World Cup qualifier.
For FIFA betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
