World Cup Final Cheat Sheet: Best bets for Spain v Argentina on Sunday

Spain v Argentina Tips and Predictions

Click here for Spain v Argentina odds
Sunday, 20:00
Live on BBC1/ITV1

Paul Higham: Spain can secure World Cup glory

Paul Higham: Will Spain be able to control Argentina's late burst, or will their fighting spirit, Messi's magic (or even the odd refereeing decision) see them pull off another late, late show. I've got to pick a winner and although the South Americans look a team of destiny, going back to the well and doing it yet again, against this Spain team, seems a bit too much to ask.

I can see a 2-1 but also a 2-0 or 3-0 for Spain if they play it right, so will take a safe approach to cover the lot - ultimately though it should be Spain celebrating in New York on Sunday.

Mark Stinchcombe: Can we profit on Yamal fouls?

Mark Stinchcombe: Where the match could be won and lost is down Spain's right-hand side, Argentina's left. Lamine Yamal is Spain's biggest threat going forward but has just one goal and zero assists to his name most likely as a result of not being fully fit following a hamstring injury at the end of the season.

It seems this has frustrated him and lead to him making lots of fouls - the most in the whole of Spain's squad. He's averaging 2.2 fouls per-90 minutes including three versus France, two versus Belgium and a whopping five versus Portugal.

This looks a good matchup to produce more fouls against Argentina's Nicolas Tagliafico who's no stranger to drawing plenty of fouls - the second most after Messi in the Argentina squad. He's been fouled 10 times in four starts at an average of 2.5 per-game. We can back Lamine Yamal to commit two or more fouls at 1/12.00.

Stephen Tudor: The Method of Victory Bet

Stephen Tudor: Eight of the 22 World Cup finals played out across the game's history have gone to extra-time. That in itself is a notable percentage and backing the draw at 90 minutes offers up 19/10.

When we focus on the modern era, however, we find the trend is only accelerating.

Four of the last five finals have gone to extra-time, half of them concluded in those 30 minutes, with no need for penalties.

It used to be commonplace for games to peter out in this period, but no longer, as side try to avoid the lottery of spot-kicks.

Furthermore, in the searing heat we can expect tired legs and for a mistake or two to occur.

Alan Shearer: Such a difficult World Cup final to predict

Alan Shearer: Honestly, I think it's such a difficult one to predict. If I was to talk about Spain, I would say, the way they played against France in the semi-finals they were outstanding. Bear in mind, it's the same Spain that in their first game of the tournament, they couldn't beat Cape Verde. But they got beaten off Switzerland in 2010 when they won it as well. I wouldn't be worried about Spain and that performance then. So, they're a great team. The way they manage and keep the ball is unbelievable.

But then you look at Argentina and think they've been in some really sticky situations. They were 2-0 down to Egypt and 1-0 down against England and they just come back and there's just something about them that you have to admire, whether you like them or not, you've got to admire how gutsy they are. And when Lionel Messi i in your team, you've always got a chance. I'm just going to say Argentina just because of how gutsy they are.

Mike Norman: Back Lamine Yamal to have 2+ Shots on Target

Mike Norman: In the last 60 years, Lamine Yamal is the teenager with the most shots (23), shots on target (10), and touches in the opposition box (51) at the FIFA World Cup.

He will be the third-youngest player to appear in a World Cup final (19 years, 6 days), behind Pelé for Brazil in 1958 (17 years, 249 days) and Giuseppe Bergomi for Italy in 1982 (18 years, 201 days).

Now read more Alan Shearer exclusives here.