Ivory Coast vs Algeria Prediction: Fennec Foxes to squeak through into the knockout stages

Group E concludes on Thursday afternoon in the Africa Cup of Nations and this game is huge. Current holders Algeria are fighting for their life and rooted to the bottom of the table. They need a win here against an Ivory Coast team that are sat top of the group. We've asked OddsTerrier to cover this crucial clash and pick out two bets for your scrutiny.

Ivory Coast know they have qualified already but will be hoping for a win here to ensure top of the table and an easier 2nd round fixture. They face a desperate Algerian side that are in a must win scenario to avoid a diabolical defence of their 2019 title. The Fennec Foxes need the big guns to start firing and quick. The bookies have this one very tight: Algeria are slight favourites at 13/10, the draw is next in the betting at 21/10 and Ivory Coast are slightly bigger at 13/5. 

Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi could be tempted to make changes following their loss to Equatorial Guinea. Leading scorer Islam Slimani will surely start up front in this one. 

Cote D'Ivoire boss Patrice Beaumelle will be forced into a couple of changes here as Eric Bailly and keeper Badra Sangare are both out injured. I doubt he will make many other changes in this vital game for both sides. 

First up we've got a decent looking double at William Hill. Algeria haven't scored thus far in their AFCON 2019 defence but they simply have to here and regardless of their form, they possess serious firepower in Riyad Mahrez , Islam Slimani and Baghdad Bounedjah. I firmly expect Ivory Coast to score too as they can't afford to just sit back and play for the draw with Equatorial Guinea just one point behind. With so much on the line for Algeria I can see them scoring a late winner to get through to the knockout stages.

With all that combined I like the price on Algeria to win and BTTS at 5/1.

Next up we've chosen one of the in-form strikers in world football, Sebastien Haller. The Ajax star has been in sensational form in the Dutch league(24 goals) and in the Champions League, where he is the leading scorer with 10 goals. The French born player switched to the Ivory Coast set up as recently as 2020 but has already scored three times in just six appearances including the opener against Sierra Leone last time out. 

William Hill have boosted the odds on Haller to score first from 6/1 all the way out to 9/1. At those odds we can't help from hopping on the boost. 

As always if you like either selection please remember to gamble responsibly.