Tunisia vs Morocco Predictions

Since exiting the World Cup in the summer, the Tunisians have recorded some decent results against more modest opposition than they faced in Russia, though they came up short against the Egyptians last time out. After that 3-2 defeat, the Eagles of Carthage will be hoping to regain the winning thread.

It may have been an early exit for Tunisia in Russia, but they did at least give their fans something to cheer about when they deservedly beat Panama in their final group match, while that victory has also seemingly given them a platform from which to build. Tuesday’s hosts went on to win three on the bounce after beating Panama in June, recording convincing victories against Swaziland and Niger twice. The Tunisians managed to record an expected-goals for count of at least 2.23 in each of those matches, which is pleasing, while the max they gave away was 1.18.

However, while Tunisia have thrived against the likes of Swaziland and Niger, they were caught out by Egypt last time out. On that occasion, the Eagles of Carthage weren’t totally outclassed, but they struggled to get as involved offensively as they had been doing, while their defensive frailties were also exposed that bit more.

Unlike Tuesday’s hosts, Morocco are yet to lose since exiting the World Cup in June. In their last match in Russia, the Moroccans showed that they’re no mugs by drawing 2-2 with Spain, while they were hardly disgraced when losing 1-0 against both Iran and Portugal. In fact, they had the better of the game against both of those, so Hervé Renard’s men may well have felt a little hard done by in the summer.

Since the World Cup, the Moroccans have continued to be tough to beat. They’ve won two and drawn one since their exploits in the east. During that time, they’ve averaged two goals per game, 1.97 expected goals for and have conceded an average of just 0.66 goals and just 0.74 expected goals.

Over the last few months, both teams have looked useful going forward. At the other end, Tunisia showed that they’re not overly secure against Egypt last time out, while despite looking the better side defensively, the visitors weren’t particularly sharp when conceding twice against a weak Comoros side last time out. Add in the fact that Tunisia are averaging 2.12 expected goals since exiting the World Cup, alongside the fact that Morocco are averaging 1.91, and ‘Both Teams to Score’ makes massive appeal at the prices on offer.