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Preview for Argentina v Colombia
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni dismissed Colombiaβs poor run of form and insisted they were βone of the best teams in the worldβ ahead of their World Cup qualifying clash tonight.
Colombia have not won in their last five games with Thursdayβs goalless draw against Peru seeing them slip to the precarious position of sixth – the last spot that would guarantee automatic qualification for next summerβs finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
In contrast, Argentina have won their last four and secured top spot in the Conmebol qualifying section thanks to Julian Alvarezβs goal in the 1-0 win in Chile last week.
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Everything points to a home win but Scaloni was quick to sound a note of caution.
He said: βItβs a little strange to see them in this pothole. For me, Colombia has deserved to win in games that it has had no luck. It’s a misleading classification. Statistics don’t always tell the truth.
βThey are a good team, I would say up with the best teams in the world.β
Colombiaβs form has led to criticism of coach Nestor Lorenzo, who has also had to face reports of a bust-up with star striker Jhon Duran following his half-time withdrawal against Peru.
Duran has pulled out of the squad for the Argentina game citing a back injury – fuelling the speculation further – but Lorenzo says it is simply people seizing on the poor results to create added issues.
He said: βThe criticisms hurt, especially because of the things they invented. There is a clear campaign of discrediting, beyond the fact that the results were not good.
“We’re in a hole but the group is united. We need three or four more points to qualify.
“I know we’re going to qualify, hopefully it will be tomorrow.β
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Team News for Argentina v Colombia
The bad news for Colombia is that Argentina will be back to full strength, bar the absence of left-back NicolΓ‘s Tagliafico due to suspension.
Lionel Messi will return to the starting XI after coming on as a second-half substitute against Chile while defender NicolΓ‘s Otamendi and midfielders Leandro Paredes and Enzo FernΓ‘ndez return from suspension.
Lautaro Martinez was rested against Chile due to his commitments with Inter Milan in the Champions League final but is set to start in attack.
Either Facundo Medina or Valentin Barco will replace Tagliafico.
Colombia will be boosted by the return of Liverpool forward Luis DΓaz.
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Predicted line-ups for Argentina v Colombia
Argentina: E Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Barco; De Paul, Paredes, FernΓ‘ndez; Messi, Γlvarez, L MartΓnez
Colombia: Mier; MuΓ±oz, Mina, SΓ‘nchez, Borja; CastaΓ±o, Lerma, Arias, James, DΓaz; SuΓ‘rez.
How to watch Argentina v Colombia: TV and online stream
Argentina versus Colombia kicks-off at 1am UK time on Wednesday morning. It can be watched on Premier Sports 1 and streamed on the Premier Sports app.
Stats for Argentina v Colombia
- Colombia beat Argentina 2-1 in the reverse fixture in September
- Colombia’s last win came in October when they beat Chile 4-0
Prediction for Argentina v Colombia
This is a tough assignment for Colombia. To take on the world champions, you need to be at your very best and Lorenzo’s side are some way short of that at the minute.
Add in the fact Argentina will have the bulk of their first-choice starting XI available and it could be a long night for the visitors.
Prediction: Argentina 3-0 Colombia
