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How Argentina could line up against Brazil

sportsmole.co.uk, 8 July 2021, 18:58
Lionel Messi will lead Argentina into Sunday's Copa America final against Brazil in an eye-catching run of form, having recorded four goals and five assists in his six appearances at this year's tournament.

He will be joined in attack by Lautaro Martinez, who has found the net in each of La Albiceleste's last three games to help them through to the final.

The Inter Milan star has kept new Barcelona forward Sergio Aguero out of the starting side with some impressive performances at the centre of the front three, and Lionel Scaloni should again deploy Martinez in attack.

Meanwhile, the spot in the left-hand side of the forward line is up for grabs, with the likes of Nicolas Gonzalez, Angel Di Maria and Alejandro Gomez all competing to start on Sunday.

The midfield trio of Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes and Giovani Lo Celso has been particularly impressive in this tournament, and they should all line up in the final to bring balance to the Argentinian side.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has also put in some eye-catching performances in the Copa America, and he will continue to start between the sticks behind a defence that has been consistently altered throughout the competition.

German Pezzella and Benfica defender Nicolas Otamendi lined up at the heart of the back four in the semi-final win over Colombia, and that could remain unchanged although Lisandro Martinez will also hope for a starting spot after an impressive performance in his only start of the competition when they thrashed Bolivia at the end of the group stage.

Argentina possible starting lineup: E Martinez; Molina, Pezzella, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes, Lo Celso; Messi, L Martinez, Gomez

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