Argentina will host Uruguay in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, looking to continue their impressive run of form.
Uruguay managed to end their winless run with a thrilling win over South American giants, Brazil last month, and they will look to pull off another upset when they lock horns with Argentina.
La Albiceleste will be the favourites heading into this contest, having picked up wins in each of their last 14 international matches across all competitions. Meanwhile, Uruguay have picked up two wins from their last four World Cup qualifiers, and they will need to be at their best to beat the world champions.
The home side will be full of confidence heading into this game and the fans will be expecting a statement performance from the Lionel Messi-led side. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at the encounter ahead of the latest meeting between the two sides.
Lionel Scaloni does not have any major injury concerns ahead of this game, and the home side should be able to field a strong side this week.
Pablo Maffeo and Francisco Ortega are expected to start as the full-backs here after being handed their maiden international call-ups. Meanwhile, Nicolas Otamendi will start alongside Cristian Romero at the heart of the defence.
In the midfield three, Enzo Fernandez will start alongside Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul. De Paul will look to add physicality and defensive cover to the side, while the other two will hope to create goalscoring opportunities and control the tempo of the game.
Lionel Messi is expected to lead the line for Argentina with Julian Alvarez and Nicolas Gonzalez on either side of him. Emiliano Martinez will continue in goal for the 2022 World Cup winners.
The visitors will be without star striker Edinson Cavani because of a muscle injury. Other than that, Marcelo Bielsa has a fully fit squad to choose from.
Nahitan Nandez and Mathias Olivera are expected to start as the full-backs for Uruguay here. The in-demand Sebastian Caceres will start alongside Ronald Araujo in the heart of the Uruguayan defence against Argentina.
In the midfield double pivot, Manuel Ugarte will start alongside Federico Valverde. Ugarte will look to break up the opposition attacks and Valverde will add drive and defensive cover to the side.
Facundo Pellistri and Rodriguez will be deployed in the wide areas, and the two players will look to add pace and flair to the side. Meanwhile, River Plate midfielder Nicolas de la Cruz will start as the central attacking midfielder, and he will link up with striker Darwin Nunez. Finally, Sergio Rochet will start in between the sticks.
Argentina have won the last 14 matches across all competitions. Argentina have kept eight clean sheets in the last eight matches across all competitions. Argentina have scored 34 goals in their last 14 matches across all competitions.
Uruguay have won just two of their last four World Cup qualifiers.
Messi will look to make his mark in the game, and he is our key player to watch out for. Messi recently scored a brace against Peru, and he will look to take advantage of Uruguay’s defensive vulnerabilities and get on the score sheet once again. Messi is an elite creator as well, and he will look to exploit the gaps in the opposition’s defence and create goal-scoring opportunities for his side.
The home side is in exceptional form right now, and they have kept eight successive clean sheets. They should be able to contain the Uruguay attack and grind out all three points here. Apart from their defensive solidity, Argentina have scored 34 goals in their last 14 matches.
The world champions will fancy their chances of picking up a comprehensive win at home. Marcelo Bielsa prefers a free-flowing attacking approach, and Uruguay are unlikely to sit deep and defend. An open game is expected, and the home side should be able to pick up a 3-1 win.
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