On Thursday afternoon, Algeria and Somalia kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign. as both teams look to make winning starts to Group G.
Algeria form guideThe Dessert Warriors go into this clash in decent form after mounting a 14-game unbeaten run in all competitions. Last time out, they drew 1-1 with Egypt. The game followed a low-scoring pattern for the home team of late, as four of their previous five matches have produced under 2.5 goals.
Algeria are nine games unbeaten in World Cup qualifiers in 90 minutes. However, they suffered a 2-1 extra-time defeat by Cameroon in their last match in qualifying. Their recent qualifiers have been relatively high-scoring, with over 2.5 goals scored in five of their previous eight games.
Algeria has lost just one of their last 18 World Cup qualifiers on home soil in 90 minutes, having also scored at least two goals in three of their previous home games in qualifying.
Somalia form guideThe visitors’ recent form has been woeful, as they have failed to win in their previous nine international games, having suffered eight straight defeats. Somalia has also conceded at least two goals in six of their last seven outings.
Somalia has only played 11 World Cup qualifiers, winning just once while suffering nine defeats in their short qualification history. They have struggled at both ends of the pitch, but conceding at least two goals in four of their previous five qualifiers has undoubtedly not helped their chances of picking up results.
Unsurprisingly, considering their record in qualifying, Somalia has lost all six of their away games in World Cup qualifying, conceding at least two goals in five of their previous six qualifiers on their travels.
What am I backing?Algeria has far superior quality to Somalia and should easily dispatch the visitors. The home win offers little value, though, so instead, the bet I am backing is over 2.5 goals, which offers slightly more value.
