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How Argentina could line up against Brazil

sportsmole.co.uk, 19 November 2023, 17:39
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni could introduce Lautaro Martinez into his starting side for Tuesday's 2026 World Cup qualification fixture with Brazil.

Martinez has been in strong form for Inter Milan during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring 14 goals and registering two assists in 16 appearances in all competitions.

The 26-year-old was introduced off the bench in Argentina's 2-0 defeat to Uruguay last time out, and he could now feature in the XI, with Nicolas Gonzalez potentially dropping to the bench.

Julian Alvarez is therefore expected to move into a wide area, with Lionel Messi playing on the opposite side.

Scaloni has options for change in midfield, and he removed Alexis Mac Allister at the interval of the clash with Uruguay, but the Liverpool midfielder should again be given the nod from the first whistle.

Enzo Fernandez and Rodrigo De Paul should also continue in the XI, while the back four is likely to remain unchanged, although an alteration at left-back would not be a shock, with Marcos Acuna an option to replace Nicolas Tagliafico.

Lisandro Martinez is a notable absentee from the squad due to a foot operation, while his Manchester United teammate Alejandro Garnacho was overlooked for a spot in the latest selection.

Argentina possible starting lineup: E Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez; Messi, L Martinez, Alvarez

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