The World Cup has officially arrived, and the Ladbrokes blog is your one-stop shop for daily tips ahead of all the key games. From the Group Stages, right through to the World Cup Final, check back each day to find out who our football expert is backing!
World Cup Quarter-Finals Tips
Argentina vs Switzerland Predictions – Quarter-Finals (Match 4)
Argentina have been one of the classier sides left in the tournament, but this quarter-final has trap-game potential against a Switzerland outfit that has made a habit of dragging teams into uncomfortable, low-margin contests.
Switzerland, though, won’t be easy to break down. Granit Xhaka remains the organiser in midfield, Manuel Akanji gives them leadership at the back, and Breel Embolo offers a physical outlet if they need to go more direct. They’re disciplined, compact, and beaming with confidence after a penalty shootout win over Colombia last week.
The key matchup looks to be Argentina’s creators between the lines against Switzerland’s central defensive shape. If Messi is allowed to receive facing goal, Switzerland could be in trouble, but if Xhaka and co. can slow the game down, this could stay tight for a long way.
Argentina have the better attacking weapons and more match-winners, but Switzerland’s structure should keep them competitive.
Prediction: Switzerland to Cover (+1 Goal) @ $2.10
Value: Switzerland to Win @ $3.30
Player Pick: Granit Xhaka / Lionel Messi 1+ Goal Combined @ $1.72