Copa America - Argentina preview
Group B
Argentina – Uruguay – Paraguay – Jamaica
Group B looks a straight up win job for Argentina. Uruguay are missing a few players and the main man in Suarez. Paraguay are at their lowest for some years and Jamaica are well Jamaica.
Ok let’s break down the teams with some outright betting, Group Winners and anything else that presents itself!
ARGENTINA (Ranked 1st in Comnebol)
2014-15 Form: 12 wins, 4 draws, 2 losses. – Win % 67%
2014-15 Top Scorers: L.Messi 8, S. Aguero 5
Argentina are in great form and should go far in this competition. They have a galaxy of superstars in attacking areas and are almost overstocked! In Messi they have the current best player on the planet. They have Higuain, Tevez and Lavezzi – all languishing behind Aguero as the 3rd best option. Midfield has the attacking quality of Pastore and Di Maria (although the winger has been poor for Man Utd – I do expect a different player here in Chile. Don’t be surprised when he shows his majestic self) – Plus they have the midfield enforcers in Mascherano, Banega and Gago. Defence isn’t top notch for me but they are capable enough and Romero is a decent keeper.
Argentina should have few problems taking this the weakest of the groups for me. Uruguay are Saurez less and Paraguay plain hopeless. Jamaica may surprise a few but Argentina should get 7 points minimum here and the whole 9 points would not be out of the question.
There are a number of options here for betting. I am taking a straight forecast on Group B on Argentina 1st and Uruguay 2nd at 1.83 (5/6) with Labrokes. When Argentina win the group they will most likely grab a quarter final with a best 3rd place team. It’s a hard one to work out but for me that will either be a weakened Mexico or any one from Colombia, Peru or Venezuela. From their it takes them to their hated neighbours Brazil. I don’t know if Messi and Co can do them in the 90 minutes. I really don’t – but they don’t have to keep going as the Semi is straight to penalties after the 90 minutes. I think Argentina can make the final. I take them to Reach the Final at Evens with Betfair. I also think that Chile can navigate the other side of the draw so recommend a Chile/Argentina final at 5-1 or 6.00 with Ladbrokes. As a slight saver on this you can “dutch” a smaller amount and go for the big odds of Argentina/Ecuador finalists at 33-1 with Skybet. Lionel Messi is the obvious top scorer bet but for me I feel we may be better served by backing his teammate Sergio Aguero. “Kun” is a bit fresher after missing a few games through the season and I believe Messi will be a bit deeper allowing Aguero the space further up the pitch. So Sergio Aguero top goalscorer at 9-1 and 1-4 odds 1-2-3 at Betway we get some value as Argentina will be playing the maximum of 6 games here.
For more Copa America previews see below (group C will come soon):
Group A
Group B
Group C
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