Preview: Algeria vs. Tunisia - prediction, team news, lineups

The Carthage Eagles were sent crashing back to earth in the 2023 African Cup of Nations qualifiers last time out and will be looking to return to winning ways.

Match preview

Algeria maintained their 100% record in the ongoing AFCON qualifiers as they picked up a 2-1 victory over Uganda at the Japoma Stadium on Sunday.

Lugano striker Mohamed El Amine Amoura turned in an eye-catching performance as he scored in either half to put the visitors two goals up before Fahad Bayo pulled one back in the 88th minute.

Djamel Belmadi's men have now won each of their five qualifying matches, scoring nine goals and conceding two, to sit top of Group F with an eight-point lead over second-placed Tanzania.

Algeria, who are one of 14 sides to have already secured their place in Cameroon, now return home, where they are unbeaten in 10 straight matches, picking up six wins and four draws in that time.

The Greens' last home defeat came in March 2022, when they were beaten 2-1 in extra time by Cameroon in the second leg of their 2022 World Cup qualifying playoffs.

On the other hand, Tunisia's unbeaten run in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers came to an end on Saturday, when they were beaten 1-0 by Equatorial Guinea at the Nuevo Estadio de Malabo.

Former Middlesbrough and Birmingham City man Emilio Nsue came up clutch for the hosts as he converted his second-half penalty to hand them a fourth straight win in the qualifiers.

Prior to that, Tunisia were on a run of three consecutive victories, including a 1-0 win over France in the World Cup on November 30 just before their group-stage exit.

While the Carthage Eagles' place in the 2023 AFCON is already guaranteed, Saturday's defeat saw them drop to second place in Group J, with Equatorial Guinea moving into the top spot.

Jalel Kadri's men now take a break from the qualifiers to face North African rivals Algeria side who have won each of their last three meetings since a 2-1 loss in January 2017.

Algeria friendly form:

Algeria form (all competitions):

Tunisia friendly form:

Tunisia form (all competitions):

Team News

The attacking trio of Riyad Mahrez, Islam Slimani and Said Benrahma started from the bench against Uganda last time out but will push for a place in the XI on Tuesday.

Slimani, who is currently the nation's all-time leading scorer with 41 goals in 91 appearances, should lead the attack, while Mahrez and Benrahma should provide support in the final third.

Having recently switched allegiances from France, Houssem Aouar was handed his debut as he came on in the 65th minute against the Cranes and the 24-year-old could be handed his first start.

Despite their defeat to Equatorial Guinea, we expect Kadri to name a similar XI on Tuesday, with Anis Ben Slimane, Aissa Laïdouni and Manchester United youngster Hannibal Mejbri starting in midfield once again.

Lorient man Montassar Talbi was a standout performer against Juan Micha's men and should form the centre-back pairing with Yassine Meriah, shielding Aymen Dahmen between the sticks.

Algeria possible starting lineup:

M'Bolhi; Hadjam, Belaid, Bensebaini, Loucif; Bentaleb, Amoura, Aouar; Mahrez, Benrahma, Slimani

Tunisia possible starting lineup:

Dahmen; Abdi, Talbi, Meriah, Drager; Laidouni, Slimane, Mejbri; Romdhane, Jouini, Jebali

We say: Algeria 2-1 Tunisia

While Tunisia will be looking to return to winning ways, they are a spirited Algeria side who are currently firing on all cylinders. We anticipate an end-to-end affair at the 19 May 1956 Stadium, with the Greens coming out on top in front of their home supporters.

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