TOURNAMENT favourites Argentina take on winless Jamaica in the final Group B game. Can the Reggae Boyz upset the odds? Mark O’Haire (@MarkOHaire) takes a look at the best bets.
Argentina v Jamaica | Saturday 22.30 | Premier Sports
Argentina opened their Copa America campaign with a surprising 2-2 draw with Paraguay letting slip a two-goal lead but order was resumed with a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Uruguay last time out. The Albiceleste rode their luck against the South Americans but a more straight-forward win should be on the cards when Group B concludes in Vina del Mar.
Three points should secure top spot for Tata Martino’s troops and the former Barcelona boss may opt to inject more creativity into the side and release the shackles again as Argentina look to hit their stride. Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero – both of whom have looked sharp – will again start in a formidable front line.
Opponents Jamaica have offered dogged resistance in their first two fixtures and but for some wayward finishing against Uruguay in their Copa curtain-raiser, could have avoided a probable pointless campaign. The Reggae Boyz’s have misfired, managing just one shot-on-target across their two group games and surrendering the bulk of possession in both.
Head coach Winfried Schafer will want to ensure the side aren’t embarrassed and adopting a safety-first approach in order to frustrate their more illustrious opposition looks likely. Jamaica have won just two of their last 19 competitive outings and quotes on a 20/1 upset look a long way off, even in the Copa.
It’s hard not to presume the tournament favourites will sweep aside the rank outsiders. Argentina have played four matches against CONCACAF teams in the past four years and won them all by at least two goals, without conceding. A repeat scenario in Vina del Mar can’t be ruled out.
I’m going to play the correct score market and back three potential results, all relying on the Albiceleste winning by at least two goals and keeping a clean sheet, just for a bit of interest in a lopsided encounter. So if you’re keen to join, have a look at backing Argentina to win 2-0 (5/1 William Hill), 3-0 (11/2 Paddy Power) and 4-0 (9/1 BetVictor).
Best Bets
Argentina v Jamaica – Argentina to win 2-0 (5/1 William Hill)
Argentina v Jamaica – Argentina to win 3-0 (11/2 Paddy Power)
Argentina v Jamaica – Argentina to win 4-0 (9/1 BetVictor)
