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Uruguay will host Argentina at the Estadio Campeon del Siglo in Montevideo on Friday in a blockbuster clash in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Famously known as the 'Clasico del Rio de la Plata', this is the most contested derby in international football history, with 194 official clashes.
Argentina have obviously been the dominant force with 89 wins, including a 3-0 victory last month. The victory continued their unbeaten run in the campaign, and kept them in second place, behind Brazil, with 25 points. La Celeste, meanwhile, are down in fifth, and must pick up wins to ensure a direct ticket to Qatar.
However, they haven't beaten Argentina in their last six clashes, and were also dealt an injury blow with Edinson Cavani ruled out. Nevertheless, we should have a pulsating contest on our hands. On that note, here are the four storylines you should keep an eye on during the mouthwatering game:
#4 Pressure firmly on Uruguay
Uruguay are firmly under the pump here. With only four wins from 12 qualifying games so far, they've managed to rack up just 16 points. That keeps them in fifth spot, one below the direct qualification zone.
If the campaign were to end now, La Celeste would be heading into the inter-confederation play-offs. That would be a two-legged affair against a team from either the AFC, CONCACAF or OFC zone.
Oscar Tabarez's side are no strangers to it, though, having beaten Jordan 5-0 on aggregate at that stage to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. However, a direct place would spare them the additional challenge.
The side are winless in three consecutive qualifying games, including back-to-back routs against Argentina and Brazil last month. They conceded a combined seven goals against the two continental heavyweights.
Chile are breathing right down their necks. So another defeat for Uruguay on Friday would allow the 2015 Copa America winners to close the gap on them in the standings.
#3 Argentina's unbeaten run on the line
Argentina are the only other team besides Brazil in South America who're yet to lose in the ongoing FIFA World Cup qualifiers. In fact, they haven't lost a game since July 2019, a run that now stretches to 25 games in all competitions.
Needless to say, it's quite a record, but can Albiceleste sustain that against an Uruguay side in a must-win clash?
One thing going for Lionel Scaloni's side is that they haven't lost to their eastern neighbours in eight years. Their last loss was a 3-2 reverse in a FIFA World Cup 2014 qualifier eight years ago, which is also Uruguay's only victory over Argentina in the last 24 years.
#2 Time for Facundo Torres to open his Uruguay account
With Edinson Cavani out injured, the spot to join Luis Suarez up front is vacant, and Facundo Torres is the most likely candidate to fill in.
The 21-year-old Penarol striker made his international debut in June this year. He has since earned eight caps, including five in the Copa America 2021, coming off the bench in all five games.
Torres didn't score in any of those games. and is yet to open his account on the international stage. However, this is probably his greatest chance to break the duck.
With Uruguay scoring only once in their last three games, they're in desperate need of someone who can fire up their attack. Could Torres be that man for them against Argentina?
#1 No Lionel Messi magic?
Fans were excited to see another reunion of ex-Barcelona buddies Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi. But looks like that's not going to happen this month.
Argentina's captain is a major doubt with a knee problem that also kept him out of PSG's clash against Bordeaux last weekend.
Lionel Scaloni has caused controversy by calling up Messi to the squad, but his participation remains unlikely.
Argentina have been impressive in these qualifiers, and even without their star man leading the line this month, it should not spell disaster for them.
