World Cup preview – Day 7: Tips and prediction for Messi’s Argentina and France, plus free bets and bonus sign-up offers

FRANCE continue the defence of their World Cup crown, while Lionel Messi’s Argentina will be desperate to bounce back from their shock defeat to Saudi Arabia.

And SunSport are on-hand to preview Day 7 of the competition while bringing you our carefully selected best bets, sign-up offers and exclusive bonuses from our partners.

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The World Cup continues with four terrific matches including holders France, Lionel Messi’s Argentina and everyone’s favourite underdogs, Saudi Arabia.

Australia kick things off on Saturday morning against Tunisia, who claimed an impressive point against Denmark in their opening fixture.

Saudi Arabia will want to prove that their victory over Argentina was no fluke when they take on Poland at 1pm.

It’s then time for France to take centre-stage against Denmark and build on their 4-1 thumping of Australia.

It all builds to what should be a fantastic tie between Argentina and Mexico, with defeat likely to spell the end for the loser.

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Tunisia vs Australia

Not the most glamorous tie on paper, but both sides are still capable of throwing a spanner in the works.

Tunisia have a point on the board, and four could pile the pressure on Group D favourites Denmark and France.

The African side looked defensively sound against the Danes, but created few clear-cut chances and only had one effort on target.

Australia DID manage to score, but simply couldn’t handle Kylian Mbappe, Olivier Giroud and Ousmane Dembele — although few can.

Though not a terribly threatening side, Tunisia should capitalise on Australia’s defensive frailties.

• Our pick: Tunisia to win 1-0 at odds of 5/1 with Sky Bet. New Sky Bet customers can claim £40 in free bets. CLAIM HERE*

Poland vs Saudi Arabia

Didn’t necessarily think I’d be writing this a week ago, but this is a very big game with very big consequences.

Saudi Arabia’s 2-1 victory means they lead Group C by two points, and are one victory away from qualifying for the knockout stages.

If that were to happen, Argentina, Poland and Mexico would be left to scrap it out for the final spot.

Poland have won just one of their last nine opening World Cup games, and haven’t made it out of the group stages since 1986.

They did have a golden opportunity to end that abysmal run, but Robert Lewandowski had a penalty saved as Poland and Mexico played out a goalless draw.

• Our pick: It could be another goalless draw for Poland with Saudi Arabia likely to settle for a point. That’s available at 15/2 with Ladbrokes. New Ladbrokes customers can claim £20 in free bets when they stake a fiver! Claim HERE*

France vs Denmark

Based on their opening fixtures, France will fancy their chances of collecting maximum points against Denmark.

Aside from an early goal, France looked every bit World Champions with a dominant attacking performance.

The same cannot be said for Denmark, who failed to justify those who’d tipped them to go deep in the tournament.

But a big response could be on the cards.

Denmark have a fantastic recent record against their opponents having beaten France twice in the Nations League earlier this year.

They also secured a 0-0 draw when the sides met at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

• Our pick: Denmark are capable of pulling off a big result at a finals, and we think there’s an exciting 2-2 draw on the cards at odds of 13/1 with Betfair. New Betfair customers will receive £30 in free bets when they stake £10 on football. CLAIM HERE*

Argentina vs Mexico

Ooof. What a game to end Saturday’s fixtures.

A wounded Argentina will be absolutely desperate to keep their World Cup dream alive in what’s likely to be Lionel Messi’s last dance.

The South American heavyweights were excellent for large periods of their defeat to Saudi Arabia, but their defensive frailties were exposed.

Their 36-game unbeaten run clearly counted for very little at these finals, and Mexico will look to pile on the misery.

There was a lot of huff and puff in Mexico’s 0-0 opener against Poland, plenty of attacking intent but no end product.

So beware the wounded animal. We think Argentina will bounce back in style.

• Our pick: Lautaro Martinez to score anytime, Edson Alvarez to be shown a card and Argentina to win at odds of 15/2 with Coral. New Coral customers who stake a fiver will receive £20 in free bets. CLAIM HERE*.

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