Preview: Burkina Faso vs. Algeria - prediction, team news, lineups

Algeria will be looking to make it two wins from two Group A fixtures when they continue their World Cup 2022 qualification campaign against Burkina Faso on Tuesday.

The Greens recorded a thumping 8-0 win over Djibouti in their section opener on Thursday, while Burkina Faso also made a strong start to their campaign, posting a 2-0 victory over Niger.

Match preview

Late goals from Lassina Traore and Mohamed Konate ensured that Burkina Faso would pick up all three points in their Group A opener against Niger on Thursday, and the Stallions will now be looking to overcome comfortably the strongest team in the section in the shape of Algeria.

Burkina Faso have never managed to qualify for the finals of a World Cup, but they have been regulars in the Africa Cup of Nations since 1996 and actually finished as runners-up in 2013 and third in 2017.

Kamou Malo's side are up against it when it comes to finishing top of this section, but the result against Niger on Thursday would certainly have boosted confidence ahead of the clash with Algeria.

The Stallions will take on Djibouti in back-to-back fixtures next month, meaning that a positive result in this match would stand them in good stead when it comes to staying in touch at the top of the group.

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Algeria, meanwhile, put in a brilliant performance in their qualification opener against Djibouti on Thursday, recording an 8-0 victory at Stade Mustapha Tchaker to send out a serious message.

Islam Slimani scored four times for the home side, while Manchester City's Riyad Mahrez was also among the goals in the thumping success, which made it six straight wins in all competitions for Algeria.

The Greens have made the finals of a World Cup on four previous occasions and actually progressed through the group stage in their last participation in 2014, losing 2-1 to Germany in the round of 16.

Djamel Belmadi's side will be looking to move onto six points in the section ahead of facing Niger twice in the space of four days next month, and it would be a huge shock if they did not top this group.

Algeria are the reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions, meanwhile, having won the 2019 competition by beating Senegal 1-0 in the final, winning their second title and first since 1990.

Team News

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Shakhtar Donetsk striker Lassina Traore led the line for Burkina Faso against Niger and that is again expected to be the case in this match, with Eric Traore, Hassane Bande and Gustavo Sangare in support.

The Stallions did not pick up any injury problems in their last match, and it would not be a surprise to see the same starting XI sent onto the field against Algeria.

That said, head coach Malo did make two half-time changes against Niger, introducing Bryan Dabo and Zakaria Sanogo, and the two players are in contention to start this match.

As for Algeria, an irresistible attacking performance against Djibouti saw Slimani net four times, and the 33-year-old is now just one strike away from becoming his country's all-time leading goalscorer.

Slimani, who now plays his club football for Lyon, will again lead the line on Tuesday, while Mahrez is unlikely to be rested, with the 30-year-old set to win his 66th cap.

A talented side should also include AC Milan's Ismael Bennacer and Villarreal's Aissa Mandi, while Slimani and Mahrez could be joined in attack by Youcef Belaili and Baghdad Bounedjah.

Burkina Faso possible starting lineup:
Koffi; Kabore, Yago, Dayo, Nikiema; Guira, Toure; Bande, Sangare, E Traore; L Traore

Algeria possible starting lineup:
M'Bolhi; Zeffane, Mandi, Benlamri, Bensebaini; Bennacer, Zerrouki; Mahrez, Belaili; Slimani, Bounedjah

We say: Burkina Faso 1-3 Algeria

Burkina Faso impressed against Niger, but this will be a completely different level for the Stallions. Algeria were so impressive in their eight-goal success last week, and we are finding it difficult to back anything other than a routine success for the visitors.