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CONMEBOL champions Argentina will line up against Uruguay for the 12th match of their Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifying campaign in Montevideo. Having seen bitter rivals Brazil secure their 2022 FIFA World Cup ticket only 24 hours earlier with a 1-0 win against Colombia, Argentina will be eager to pick up maximum points.
La Albiceleste have not lost a match in the qualifying campaign so far, winning seven and drawing four out of 11 matches. In fact, they have remained unbeaten in their last 25 matches since losing to Brazil in the semifinals of the Copa America 2019.
Their opponents Uruguay have won four, drawn four and lost four of their 12 matches in this qualifying campaign as they bid to qualify for a fourth successive FIFA World Cup. Uruguay will look to avoid defeat in three consecutive matches, having lost heavily to Argentina and Brazil only last month.
Provided that results go their way, Argentina can also secure their place in Qatar from this month's fixtures. La Albiceleste will be boosted by Lionel Messi being able to join the squad despite his recent injury issues, as well as the return to form of Paulo Dybala.
Here's how coach Lionel Scaloni will likely set up his Argentina side against their South American rivals on Friday.
Argentina Goalkeeper
Ever since staking a claim to be the first-choice goalkeeper for Arsenal towards the end of the 2019-20 season, Emiliano Martinez has made Argentina's goalkeeper issues disappear. The 28-year-old Aston Villa shot-stopper was a star performer as Argentina claimed Copa America glory over the summer.
Martinez will continue in goal for Argentina, having kept a clean sheet in each of his last three appearances for his country. Juan Musso continues to be a reliable deputy for Martinez and will be ready for action if the Aston Villa keeper is unavailable at the last minute.
Argentina Defenders
In defense, Benfica stalwart Nicolas Otamendi is one of the first names on the Argentina team sheet for Lionel Scaloni. The ex-Manchester City man plays alongside Tottenham Hotspur's Cristian Romero at the heart of the Argentina defense, and the duo are expected to start against Uruguay once again.
Sevilla's Marcos Acuña could be utilized at left-back, and Nahuel Molina will play as right-back. As such, it is likely to be the same back four that appeared against Peru last month. Scaloni will see no need to change a backline that kept a clean sheet the last time they played together.
Argentina midfielders
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni will likely continue with the 4-3-3 formation that was so successful against Uruguay and Peru last month. Paris Saint-Germain schemer Leandro Paredes is likely to start as the team's deepest lying midfielder.
Atletico Madrid star Rodrigo De Paul will continue on the right side of the three-man midfield for Argentina and Tottenham Hotspur's Giovanni Lo Celso could start from the left side.
De Paul was one player that caught the eye as Argentina claimed Copa America glory only months ago. He also found the net for Argentina as they defeated Uruguay last month. His all-action nature will see him work at both ends of the pitch.
He will help form a passing triangle with the right-back and right-winger in attack, and also help in defense to track Uruguayan runners. Lo Celso will have a slightly less advanced role, and will stick much closer to Paredes in the middle of the park to provide solidity in midfield. Guido Rodriguez is another exciting option for Scaloni and it will be interesting to see if he is handed a start in place of Lo Celso.
Argentina forwards
With Argentina captain and talisman Lionel Messi still some distance from full fitness, Scaloni will be wary of starting him against a physical Uruguay side to protect him. This leaves an opening for in-form Juventus forward Paulo Dybala to try and make his mark with the national team.
The talented 27-year-old has struggled to play with the national team. He was left out of the squad that won the Copa America due to his lack of regular minutes at Juventus last season. The forward's recent form, however, will make Scaloni believe he can be relied upon to make a difference for the side.
Fiorentina winger Nico Gonzalez could start on the opposite flank of Dybala, where he will use his pace and direct running to make life difficult for the Uruguayan backline. The winger has been impressive for Fiorentina in Serie A and will look to replicate that form for Argentina.
Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez will continue to lead the line for La Albiceleste as he has done since his debut for the side. The striker has impressed for Argentina and scored in the win against Uruguay last month. A similar performance will be required from the 25-year-old in Montevideo as Argentina will surely look to outscore their opponents.
Experienced stars like Messi and Angel Di Maria can be called upon from the bench to help the team, if needed.
