Verdict: Lionel Messi to score or assist
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Already cruising their way to next summer’s World Cup finals, Argentina will travel to Chile in the early hours of Friday.
Chile
Starting with the hosts, while Chile might have signed off 2024 with an action-packed 4-2 victory against Venezuela, it appears that was just a minor boost for La Roja. Enduring what has become a public World Cup qualifying nightmare, Ricardo Gareca’s side have come under a tremendous amount of scrutiny and sit rock-bottom of the table. Putting just 10 points on the board from any of their 14 appearances, there has also been plenty of speculation that the former Palmeiras boss could be on his way out of Santiago. Eventually forced to settle for a 0-0 stalemate at home against Ecuador last time out, Chile have gained an unwanted reputation for their glaring defensive struggles. Along with drawing consecutive qualifying blanks, La Roja have also failed to find the net in four of their previous five outings.
Chile Team News
Chile confirmed that the duo of River Plate defender Paulo Diaz and Independiente midfielder Luciano Cabral have been forced to withdraw from La Roja’s squad due to respective injury issues. However, skipper Alexis Sanchez has been recalled and the former Arsenal talisman will earn a 167th international cap here.
Likewise, making an emotional return to his homeland last year and now playing his domestic football with Colo-Colo, 38-year-old Arturo Vidal should also feature on Friday. Torino star Guillermo Maripan will start at the heart of Gareca’s defence and could be partnered alongside Francisco Sierralta.
Argentina
As for the visitors, claiming a third world in the winter of 2022, Argentina have only continued on what has been an astonishing run. Last seen putting in another famous performance as they stormed their way to a 4-1 romp against arch-rivals Brazil, La Albiceleste have only further underlined their status as the most fearsome International squad from across the globe. Remarkably putting 31 points on the board from their 14 qualifying appearances, Lionel Scaloni’s record-breaking squad have already wrapped things up with plenty of time to spare. Marking their return this weekend holding a commanding eight-point buffer at the top of the table, Argentina will simply be looking to lay down another marker here. Cruising their way to a routine 3-0 victory when they met Chile for their reverse qualifying showdown back in September, the reigning world champions will be seeking a repeat performance in the early hours of Thursday.
Argentina Team News
After an extended break from international duties, seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi will make a first appearance for La Albiceleste since November. With Scaloni keen on making some alterations this month, Kevin Lomónaco (Independiente), Mariano Troilo (Belgrano), and 17-year-old forward Franco Mastantuono (River Plate) have also received maiden senior call-ups.
One-time Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi will serve a one-match suspension here and will not travel to Chile. Likewise, suffering Champions League final heartbreak with Inter Milan last weekend, Lautaro Martinez is not expected to play any part on Friday.
Chile vs Argentina Key Factors to Consider
- When Chile and Argentina met for their reverse World Cup qualifying showdown back in September, La Albiceleste cruised their way to a 3-0 romp on home soil.
- In fact, Argentina have won all of their previous three meetings against Friday’s hosts by an aggregate score of 6-1.
- The reigning world champions have mustered 31 points from their 14 qualifying appearances and mark their return holding an eight-point buffer at the top of the table.
- Chile have registered just a sole win from any of their previous 11 competitive appearances across all competitions.
- La Roja have drawn a blank in four of their previous five World Cup qualifying appearances.
Conclusion
Signing off March’s international break with a sensational 4-1 romp at home against arch-rivals Brazil, Argentina will simply be looking to lay down another marker here. Already wrapping things up with plenty of time to spare, the reigning world champions should be smelling a golden opportunity this week. Likewise, landing a 3-0 victory when they met Chile for their reverse qualifying showdown back in September, Scaloni’s squad will also be excited by the return of a certain eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Verdict: Lionel Messi to score or assist
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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