Argentina, the World Champions, are ready to be back in action when they host Uruguay on Friday to play the World Cup Qualifier. Argentina are literally unstoppable under Lionel Scaloni. Having won the FIFA World Cup after ages, the Albiceleste haven’t conceded a single goal in their following eight games. They are also at the top of the table in the Qualifier Round from the South American Zone, which is known as CONMEBOL.
However, the Albiceleste will host Uruguay Friday at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires. Messi and all his teammates have already arrived in Argentina ahead of the crucial clash.
Stats & Facts
- Argentina are at their best. Apart from their shock defeat against Saudi Arabia in the World Cup opener, Argentina didn’t lose a single match. Moreover, they have won the rest of their 14 international games since losing to Saudi Arabia.
- The Albiceleste have played eight games since winning the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. They won all those eight games, conceding zero goals! Moreover, the World Champions scored 20 goals in those eight matches.
- Argentina is the only team that has won all four games in the South American World Cup Qualifier. Meanwhile, Uruguay won two games and lost one. They tied their remaining one game. However, Uruguay defeated Brazil in their most recent match, which could inspire them on Friday against Argentina.
- The head-to-head stats between Argentina and Uruguay are in favor of Argentina. They faced off against each other in 192 games in all competitions, where Argentina won the majority of the games. The Albiceleste registered 90 victories, while Uruguay won 57 games. The remaining 45 games ended in a tie.
Team News
All the players of Argentina have arrived from their respective clubs. The good news is Angel Di Maria and Paulo Dybala have been called up for the match against Uruguay. Paulo Dybala has been a long absentee for the Albiceleste, but he has recovered and is ready for Friday’s game.
Angel Di Maria, however, missed Argentina’s last two games due to injury. Now he has fully recovered and can play from the very first minute. The return of Di Maria could force Nicholas Gonzalez out of the starting XI, as Di Maria is the favorite to start in the left flank.
Manager Scaloni is likely to start Lautaro Martinez in the front instead of Julian Alvarez. Lionel Messi, of course, leads the attack from the right side. Unfortunately, Lisandro Martinez is out of the squad due to his hamstring injury. The rest of the players are fit and ready to play on Friday.
As for Uruguay, Luis Suarez has been called up after a long time. Marcelo Bielsa, Uruguay’s Argentine coach, has been convinced by Suarez’s performance for his club and gives him an opportunity. But Darwin Nunez is more favorite to start against Argentina than Suarez.
Possible Lineup for Argentina:
E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; Mac Allister, Fernandez, De Paul; Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Di Maria
Possible Lineup for Uruguay:
Richet; Nandez, R. Araujo, Caceres, M. Olivera; Ugarte, Valverde; Pellistri, De la Cruz, Rodriguez; Nunez
Prediction: Argentina 1-0 Uruguay
Following their victory against Brazil, Uruguay has got their confidence back. Therefore, this match against Argentina will be very competitive. But Argentina are in their best form. They showed the world how good they are. Moreover, Argentina will have tremendous support from the gallery. So we expect Argentina will win against Uruguay.
Betfair Odds
Argentina: 1.55
Draw: 3.47
Uruguay: 6.13
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