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The stage is set at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium for a highly anticipated World Cup 2026 Round of 16 showdown as Argentina square off against a stubborn Egypt side. Here’s our Bet Builder pick for Argentina v Egypt, which has been placed with Bet365:
K. Høgh - Anytime Goalscorer
Anytime Goalscorer
Celtic’s Champions League clash with LASK Linz promises plenty of attacking intent, and Kasper Høgh is well placed to make his mark. The new signing has hit the ground running with 3 goals in just 2 appearances, showing a sharp eye for goal that Celtic will rely on to break down LASK’s defence. With Celtic averaging over 3 goals per match recently and LASK’s willingness to attack leaving gaps at the back, Høgh’s role as a forward means he should see quality chances to score. At 2.1, backing him to net anytime offers a solid angle given his early scoring form and the expected open nature of this tie.
S. Adeniran - 1+ Shots on Target
Player Shots On Target
LASK Linz’s Samuel Adeniran is central to their attacking threat as they face Celtic in this Champions League playoff. With five shots on target across just three appearances this season, Adeniran has shown a clear ability to test goalkeepers regularly. Facing a Celtic side known for defensive discipline but also conceding goals, Adeniran’s role as a forward means he’s likely to get chances on target as LASK push to break down a solid defence. At odds of 1.53, backing him to register at least one shot on target appeals given his proven involvement and LASK’s attacking intent in this high-stakes fixture.
Celtic v Lask Linz - Over 8.0 Corners
Total Corners
Celtic and LASK Linz both enter this Champions League playoff with strong attacking records, setting the stage for a lively encounter likely to see plenty of action in the final third. Celtic’s attacking depth and LASK’s goal-scoring threat suggest sustained pressure and territorial dominance, which typically translate into numerous corners. The 8.0 corners line looks well-judged given the expected open play and crossing opportunities from both sides. At 1.44, backing over 8 corners offers solid value, reflecting the fixture’s attacking tempo and the likelihood of frequent set-piece chances from wide areas.
R. Ljubičić - To Be Carded
Player Cards
LASK Linz midfielder Robert Ljubičić is set for a tough test against Celtic in this Champions League playoff first leg, where intensity and pressing will be high. As a central midfielder, Ljubičić’s role naturally involves breaking up play and contesting duels, putting him in the firing line for bookings. He’s already picked up 1 card across just 3 appearances this season, showing he’s not shy about committing fouls when needed. With Celtic’s attacking threat likely to force LASK into defensive transitions, Ljubičić should be involved in key challenges, making the 'To Be Carded' bet a fair angle at 3.9. The match’s competitive edge and his position combine to support this selection.
Over 2.5 Goals
Goals Total
Celtic's recent form suggests they can break down LASK's defence, having scored 10 goals in just three matches. Meanwhile, LASK's potent attack, with 16 goals in four wins and Samuel Adeniran leading the charge, means they are unlikely to be shut out. This clash promises an open game with both sides capable of scoring, making Over 2.5 Goals a sensible angle that aligns with the expected 3-1 scoreline and the attacking profiles of both teams.
Celtic - Asian Handicap -1
Asian Handicap
Celtic’s attacking firepower looks set to overwhelm Lask Linz, with the hosts averaging over three goals per game this season. Despite Lask’s ability to find the net on the road, Celtic’s offensive depth should secure a comfortable margin. The predicted 3-1 scoreline suggests Celtic can cover the -1 Asian Handicap, as they’re likely to dominate possession and create multiple chances. While Lask will pose some threat, Celtic’s quality and home advantage give them the edge to win by at least two goals, making the handicap selection a compelling angle at decent odds.
With a precious quarter-final spot hanging in the balance, both nations understand that the margin for error has completely vanished. The looming threat of extra time and the ultimate drama of a penalty shootout add immense tactical pressure to this fixture. Argentina enter this knockout match carrying heavy expectations of dominance, while Egypt arrive fully prepared to disrupt the tempo and script a famous upset in front of a global audience.
Argentina v Egypt Bet Builder Tip
Lionel Messi to Unleash Attacking Threat Against Egypt’s Press
Lionel Messi stands at the absolute epicentre of Argentina’s offensive blueprint. As the undisputed attacking focal point for his nation, the veteran forward is constantly fed by a highly technical midfield capable of generating premium service in the final third. This systematic supply line allows Messi to test opposition goalkeepers with relentless frequency. His recent performances on the international stage display a powerful and consistent tendency to register two or more shots on target, a direct byproduct of his immense involvement in central areas and his clinical precision when finding pockets of space.
This knockout environment presents an ideal landscape for Messi to maintain this high shooting output. Egypt tend to implement an aggressive pressing style, which naturally introduces an open and expansive nature to these high-stakes matches. As the African side steps out to close down spaces, structural gaps inevitably appear between the midfield and defensive lines. Messi thrives in these exact conditions, using his world-class spatial awareness to pick up the ball and drive directly at the back four. In this tournament alone, Messi leads the Golden Boot race with an outstanding tally of seven goals. This output has developed from an expected goals ($xG$) metric of $3.82$. This massive overperformance means he possesses a devastating finishing edge, transforming half-chances into precise, goal-bound efforts.
Furthermore, his wider statistical footprint across recent competitive action underlines an incredibly high volume of attacking actions. He has racked up 84 shots in recent outings, with 34 of those hitting the target cleanly. This means a substantial 40% of his total attempts force a direct save or result in a goal. This high-frequency shooting profile means he does not hesitate to let fly from both inside and outside the penalty box, where he has recorded 45 and 39 shots respectively. Given that Argentina average 12.8 shots per game as a collective unit and dictate a commanding 60% of match possession, Messi will have ample opportunities to pull the trigger. Whether executing a trademark curled effort from the edge of the area or arriving late to meet a cross in the box, his role ensures he remains the primary outlet for every meaningful attack. Expect him to frequently test the Egyptian goalkeeper throughout the ninety minutes as Argentina seek to impose their technical dominance from the opening whistle.
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Mostafa Shobeir Braced for Heavy Workload in Egyptian Goal
Egypt’s defensive resolve will be heavily tested, placing goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir directly in the firing line at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Argentina boast a fearsome attacking setup that scores at a devastating rate, averaging nearly three goals per game throughout this tournament. This relentless offensive output means Shobeir is highly likely to face sustained periods of high-intensity pressure. Fortunately for Egypt, the shot-stopper’s recent individual form demonstrates that he is entirely accustomed to managing a busy workload. Shobeir has successfully completed two or more saves in the vast majority of his recent outings, demonstrating exceptional sharp reflexes and positioning under duress.
Argentina’s collective tactical approach revolves around an aggressive shot volume, creating continuous problems for opposition backlines. This high-event attacking intent forces opposing keepers into frequent action. Shobeir has already faced 15 shots in tournament play, recording 10 vital saves to maintain a solid 71.4% save percentage. With Argentina expected to dominate the tempo and manipulate spaces around the penalty area, the Egyptian defensive block will inevitably surrender clean looks at goal. Shobeir’s ability to accumulate multiple saves represents a highly realistic expectation, serving as a critical defensive barrier as Egypt attempt to weather the incoming South American storm.
Leandro Paredes Set for Intense Midfield Duels and Tactical Cautions
The tactical battle in the centre of the pitch will require immense defensive discipline, and Leandro Paredes sits at the heart of Argentina’s enforcement strategy. Tasked with the critical responsibility of breaking up opposition play and managing transitions, the combative midfielder is vital for maintaining structural control in high-stakes knockout fixtures. Egypt’s primary offensive strategy relies heavily on exploiting swift counter-attacks through direct transitions. This means Paredes will be repeatedly forced to engage in high-intensity physical duels and execute calculated tactical fouls to disrupt dangerous Egyptian breakaways before they can reach the penalty area.
Paredes’ robust defensive style naturally carries an elevated disciplinary risk. His domestic record with Boca Juniors in the Liga Profesional Apertura highlights this aggressive nature, where he accumulated seven yellow cards across fifteen appearances. This combative approach means he frequently operates on the absolute edge of legality. In a do-or-die World Cup knockout match where Egypt will actively try to progress the ball through quick midfield bursts, Paredes will find himself in multiple high-friction scenarios. The potent combination of his aggressive personal style and the high-friction environment of a tournament knockout match makes a yellow card highly likely.
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