Argentina vs Uruguay
2018 World Cup Qualifier – South America.
Date: Friday; 2-September-2016
Kick-off: 00:30 UK
Venue: Estadio Malvinas (Mendoza).
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Argentina national football team starts a new era under the tutelage of Edgardo Bauza when they host Uruguay for the seventh round of 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Thursday, 1st of September.
The Argentina football fans have still not overcome the shock penalty defeat to Chile in the Copa America Centenario finals. Gerardo Martino who led the team to two consecutive Copa finals, only to suffer defeat in the final in same fashion has now left the post and is replaced by Edgardo Bauza. The ex-San Lorenzo boss has plenty of head-aches in his first match as the manager of the national team as Argentina sit third in the league table with immediate pressure from Chile and Colombia behind them.
Uruguay on the other hand had a disappointing Copa America campaign as they crashed out of the group stages. However, they will resume their World Cup qualification campaign sitting top of the table, level on points with second placed Ecuador. Oscar Tabarez remains at the helm despite the poor showing in USA this summer and he will have the services of a very familiar squad as he eyes an upset in Mendoza.
Argentina: Team News
The biggest blow to Argentina is the news of a hamstring injury to Lionel Messi. While Sergio Aguero and Javier Pastore will all miss due to injuries.
Bauza called up three new faces to the squad to face Uruguay and Venezuela. Lucas Pratto of Atletico Mineiro and Lucas Alario of River Plate are hopeful to make their first appearance in the national colours.
Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain has not been called up to the national squad as he is deemed short on fitness to play full 90 minutes.
Argentina: Predicted Line-up (4-3-3)
Romero – Rojo, Funes Mori, Otamendi, Mercado – Mascherano, Banega, Biglia – Lamela, Di Maria, Dybala.
Uruguay: Team News
Oscar Tabarez has names a familiar squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Argentina and Paraguay. Malaga defender Federico Ricca and Genoa midfielder Diego Laxalt are two players who could make their competitive debuts here.
Barcelona ace Luiz Suarez will lead the attacking line with PSG striker Edinson Cavani in support.
Uruguay: Predicted Line-up (4-4-2)
Muslera – Periera, Fucile, Godin, Silva – Sanchez, Rios, Gonzalez, Ramirez – Cavani, Suarez.
Argentina vs Uruguay: Head-to-Head
Argentina have won in the last four home games against Uruguay in the World Cup qualifying rounds. The Albiceleste have scored at least two goals in each of those matches.
The latest meeting between these two sides was during the group phase of the Copa America 2015, which Argentina won by 1-0 margin.
Argentina vs Uruguay: Prediction
The absence of Messi will be a huge blow to Argentina as Uruguay are known to be a rough and tough side. At the same time, the Los Charruas have a poor record while playing in Argentina. Also they have only won in 3 of their last 10 away fixtures in the qualifications, while they lost 6 during the period. If Edgardo Bauza gets his tactics right, Argentina could edge this close encounter.
I will go with my correct score prediction of a 3-1 win in favour of Argentina at 12/1 (13.00).
Argentina vs Uruguay: Betting Tips
Both Teams to Score and Argentina to win at 11/4 (3.75).
Over 2.5 goals at 19/20 (1.95).
