Algeria vs Tunisia Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Algeria looked like they would get off to a good start in the African Cup of Nations as they faced off with group minnows Zimbabwe. Riyad Mahrez opened the scoring after just 12 minutes, but two more goals before the half hour mark saw Algeria fall 2-1 behind. From then on it was an uphill battle, but with eight minutes to spare Mahrez proved his worth with another goal to salvage a point for Algeria.

This will undoubtedly be a disappointing result for them, but their hopes of topping the group aren’t over just yet with matches against Tunisia and Senegal to come. This draw made it four wins, three draws, and one defeat in their last eight outings, and they have only lost one of their last 12 matches in all competitions.

Tunisia haven’t been so lucky with their recent results. They lost 2-0 to group favourites Senegal on Sunday, with Sadio Mane and Serigne Mbodji bagging first half goals to put the tie almost beyond doubt at the halfway point.

This makes it three defeats from Tunisia’s last four matches, with one of them being a dreadful 3-1 loss to Basque Country. They weren’t even that impressive in qualification either as they secured top spot with just 13 points from their six games, whilst Algeria picked up 16 points after winning five of their six matches.

There is a marked quality difference between these sides to be fair. Algeria have the likes of Islam Slimani, Riyad Mahrez, El Arabi Hillel Soudani, Yacine Brahimi, and Nabil Bentaleb in their ranks. Tunisia, on the other hand, are relying on Sunderland midfielder Wahbi Khazri to provide the cutting edge going forward.

Whilst Mahrez is undoubtedly a massive figure for Algeria, the lesser known Soudani is just as important. The Dinamo Zagreb forward has bagged 21 goals in 40 appearances for Algeria and has scored ten league goals this season as well, so he looks a good choice for our anytime goalscorer predictions.

As far as the overall result goes I’ve got to fancy Algeria for this one. They didn’t have the best of times in their opener but Tunisia will be down in the dumps after their failure to perform against Senegal. Odds of 1/1 for an Algeria win look good value, so I’m backing that alongside a 2-1 correct score predictions at 17/2.