Three points will be up for grabs as Algeria and Burkina Faso go head-to-head at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024). Which of these teams will reign supreme after 90 minutes?
Algeria vs Burkina Faso overview
This Group D clash will be played at the Stade de la Paix on Saturday January 20. Kick-off time is 3 pm WAT.
Algeria
After taking an early lead, Algeria couldn't hold on for all three points, as they settled for a 1-1 draw with Angola in their AFCON opener. Djamel Belmadi's men will take on Group D leaders Burkina Faso on Saturday. Can they take the top spot?
Burkina Faso
On the other hand, Burkina Faso are coming off a well-deserved 1-0 victory over Mauritania. They are leading the group standings ahead of this match, and will book a place in the knockout stages with a victory. This will be a tough task against an Algeria side that's currently on a 13-match unbeaten run.
Algeria vs Burkina Faso head to head
It's important to point out that the first two meetings between these teams took place at this tournament, as they clashed at AFCON 1996 and 1998.
In total, these teams squared off against each other on 18 occasions. Algeria have seven wins in those clashes, with six losses. Five previous skirmishes between these outfits ended in stalemates.
Furthermore, the most recent encounter between these outfits was in November 2021, when they met in the qualifying rounds of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Algeria vs Burkina Faso potential lineups
The Algerians are expected to line up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, with Baghdad Bounedjah being the lone striker. The Al Sadd player scored their only goal a few days ago.
Meanwhile Hubert Velud will likely adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Mohamed Konaté leading the charge.
On that note, these are our probable Algeria vs Burkina Faso lineups:
Algeria
Goalkeeper: Anthony Mandrea.
Defenders: Youcef Atal, Aïssa Mandi, Ramy
Bensebaini, Aït Nouri.
Midfielders: Nabil Bentaleb, Farès Chaïbi, Ismaël
Bennacer, Riyad Mahrez, Youcef Belaïli.
Forwards: Baghdad Bounedjah.
Burkina Faso
Goalkeeper: Hervé Koffi.
Defenders: Issa Kaboré, Issoufou Dayo, Edmond
Tapsoba, Steeve Yago.
Midfielders: Adama Guira, Blati Toure, Aziz Ki
Cedric Badolo, Mamady Bangré.
Forwards: Mohamed Konate.
Algeria vs Burkina Faso tactical analysis
In spite of their disappointing result against Angola, Algeria are a force to be reckoned with. Djamel Belmadi's troops have no losses in their last 13 matches in all competitions, with nine wins and four draws.
The two-time AFCON champions kept three clean sheets in their last four games, conceding just once.
Burkina Faso have also enjoyed some fine form lately, winning three of their last four matches. They've also consistently found the net, scoring in six consecutive games.
Algeria vs Burkina Faso prediction
To be fair, Algeria did not concede in three of their last four matches. However, shutting out this Burkina Faso side is easier said than done.
Like we've mentioned, the 2013 finalists scored at least one goal in their last six matches. In the same vein, Algeria have scored in eight consecutive games, 12 of their last 13 matches too.
Taking into account that both teams scored in three of the last four skirmishes between these teams, we should expect goals at both ends.
Where to watch Algeria vs Burkina Faso live
ENTV and beIN Sports will broadcast this game for fans who live in Algeria.
On the other hand, those who reside in Burkina Faso can tune into Canal+ CAN for live coverage of this game.
