On Tuesday, Argentina take on Ecuador in a do-or-die World Cup qualifier. The 2014 runners-up are in serious danger of missing out on a spot in next year’s tournament unless the put on an inspired display in their final game.
La Albiceleste currently sit in sixth, outside the automatic qualification and playoff spot. They trail fifth-placed Peru, who face fourth-placed Colombia on the same day, by goal difference. This means victory would ensure them a playoff berth, at the very least.
However, fans of the two-time World Cup winners have been handed a huge worry. Peter Coates, who writes for the Independent and Marca English, tweeted Sampaoli’s lineup for the game.
Messi is an obvious started, but it is his partners in attack that will worry supporters. Sampaoli is expected to name a 3-4-2-1 formation, with La Pulga playing behind the sole striker.
Leo will be joined by Papu, with Benedetto of Boca Juniors playing as the lone forward. Once again, there is no room for Dybala or Icardi in the starting lineup despite being two highly-rated attackers in European football.
Latest @Argentina XI for tomorrow in Quito: Romero; Mercado, Fazio, Otamendi; Rigoni, Biglia, Mascherano, Di Maria; Papu, Messi; Benedetto
— Peter Coates (@golazoargentino) October 10, 2017
This starting XI is identical to the one predicted by Argentina TV, with the only difference being a slight change in formation. Di Maria finds himself in a wing-back role, which means more defensive responsibility for the playmaker.
Dybala has admitted to struggling playing alongside Messi due to their similar style, but this predicted lineup is similar to the one that failed to break down Peru – leaving Argentina in this predicament.
Of course, there is the possibility that Coates’ predicition is wrong. Only Sampaoli knows for sure the lineup for Argentina’s final World Cup qualifier.
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