Algeria
Vladimir Petkovic's Algeria carry far more attacking firepower than the scoreline against Argentina suggested, and I expect the likes of Riyad Mahrez and Mohammed Amoura, who plundered ten goals in African qualifying, to find joy against a Jordan defence that conceded three in its opener. Amine Gouiri leads the line and the 4-3-3 formation should see them dominate possession against opponents who will sit deeper than Argentina did. Ismael Bennacer was a notable omission from the squad, with Nabil Bentaleb anchoring the midfield instead, but Houssem Aouar and Gouiri are both fit after recovering from earlier injuries. In my opinion Algeria's quality in the final third makes them clear favourites, though their own defence looked fragile against Messi and remains a question mark.
Predicted Lineup: Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait-Nouri; Boudaoui, Bentaleb, Maza; Hadj Moussa, Gouiri, Mahrez.
Jordan
Jordan arrive as World Cup debutants who showed real character against Austria, with Ali Olwan netting the nation's first goal at the finals before they faded late. Mousa Al Taamari, the Rennes winger nicknamed the Jordanian Messi, is the obvious threat on the counter and will look to exploit any space Algeria leave at the back. My read on this is that Jordan must chase the game given a defeat likely ends their hopes, which should open the match up. They are without injured striker Yazan Al Naimat and lost Ibrahim Sabra on the eve of the tournament to injury, but captain Ihsan Haddad returns to steady a backline that will need to defend better than it did in the second half against Austria.
Predicted Lineup: Abulaila; Nasib, Al Arab, Abualnadi; Haddad, Al Rashdan, Al Rawabdeh, Abu Taha; Al-Fakhoury, Olwan, Al Tamari.
