Algeria vs Burkina Faso Prediction: The Desert Foxes will get it right this time

Algeria are determined to put up a better show after a disappointing opening game when they face off against Burkina Faso at the Stade de la Paix Stadium on Saturday. The Stallions have been unable to keep a clean sheet against Algeria in their last five encounters, and it's highly unlikely that they'll be able to shut out the Desert Foxes this time around. With their resilience and determination, Algeria is poised to come out on top.

FIFA Ranking: 33th

The Desert Foxes started their campaign with a tasteless performance against a lowly-ranked Angola side. Algeria, despite their dominance, failed to create enough chances. The game, which finished in a stalemate, ended their four consecutive wins. Baghdad Bounedjah opened the scoreline in the 18th minute, and since then, Algeria failed to keep up with their momentum. The second half began, and not long after, the Staple Antelope equalized as both sides settled for a share of the spoils. 

Algeria were one of the four sides not to have tasted defeat in the AFCON qualifying round. They won the group after picking up sixteen points from a possible eighteen. Algeria had a smooth sail in the tournament, winning five while sharing the spoils once. Led by star players like Riyad Mahrez, Houssem Apiar, and Ismael Bennacer, to mention a few, Algeria will be looking to dominate the game and secure a comfortable victory.

Algeria Possible XI: Mandrea, Atal, Ramy, Mandi, Ait Nouri, Chaibi, Bentaleb, Bennacer, Mahrez, Bounedjah, Belaili

Key Player: Riyad Mahrez 

FIFA Ranking: 57th

The Stallions began their AFCON Journey with a (1-0) victory over Mauritania. Burkina Faso, who were below par for almost 75 minutes, increased their tempo as soon as Bertrand Traore and Djibril Ouattara came in. Issa Kabore won his side a penalty, which was converted by Bertrand Traore. 

Burkina Faso had a smooth sail in their group phase, with just a defeat in six games. They have also picked up ten points in their last five games. 

Burkina Faso have a stern test ahead as they must at least secure a point to stand a chance of advancing from this group.

Burkina Faso Possible XI: Konate; Tapsoba, Dayo, Nagalo, Guiebre; Blati Toure, Aziz Ki, Guira, Sangare; Ouattara, Traore

Key Player: Bertrand Traore

Their previous five meetings have seen Algeria with two wins, while Burkina Faso have won once, and a game ending in a tie. Algeria were disappointed with themselves after their opening game display, and coach Djamel Belmadi must devise another means to kill off teams when they are opportune. On the opposing end, Burkina Faso wasn’t bad in their opening game, just that they lacked the cutting edge against Mauritania. Their last two meetings have produced a BTTS, which might play out here. However, Algeria boasts a better side and a more consistent team ahead of their clash. The Algerian side will get it right this time, and we expect them to win.

Burkina Faso will have little or no chance against the Desert Foxes, and we think this game won’t produce a BTTS for 1.55.

Algeria should be able to get a halftime victory for 2.41.

Good luck!