World champions Argentina will be seeking to make easy work of Bolivia on Tuesday night.
Argentina, the reigning world champions, welcome Bolivia to Buenos Aires on Tuesday for their latest CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier. The hosts currently lead the qualification standings, while Bolivia, fresh off an impressive run, will look to build on their momentum as they strengthen their hopes of reaching their first World Cup in three decades.
Despite a somewhat disappointing draw against Venezuela last Thursday, Argentina maintained their lead at the top of the standings. Lionel Scaloni’s men have collected 19 points midway through the qualifying campaign, a solid cushion ahead of Colombia and Uruguay. Although Nicolas Otamendi gave Argentina the lead, they were outplayed by Venezuela, who registered more shots and eventually found a late equaliser through Salomon Rondon.
Still, earning a point on the road in South America is never an entirely negative result, and the Albiceleste remain on top. Argentina’s defensive solidity has been a key strength, as they have conceded just eight goals across their last 20 qualifiers. However, they have only won two of their last five games, a record they will be keen to improve when they face Bolivia—a side notorious for their struggles on the road.
Argentina’s home record against Bolivia is dominant, with 10 wins from 11 qualifying encounters. Though there have been painful away defeats, such as the infamous 6-1 loss in 2009 at La Paz, home turf has been a fortress for the Albiceleste in this rivalry.
Meanwhile, Bolivia has experienced a significant resurgence under manager Oscar Villegas. After winning their first away qualifier in over 30 years against Chile, Bolivia secured back-to-back home wins against Venezuela and Colombia. Their 4-0 victory over Venezuela was impressive, but it was their triumph over Colombia, despite being down to 10 men for most of the game, that truly shocked the continent. The change of home venues from La Paz to El Alto—a location with an even higher altitude—has seemingly amplified their advantage.
Villegas has transformed Bolivia into a tough side to beat, leading them to three consecutive victories. As a result, Bolivia has climbed into one of the automatic qualification spots for the World Cup.
However, facing a talented and motivated Argentina in Buenos Aires presents an entirely different challenge. The visitors will need another inspired performance to stand any chance against the world champions. The Hard Tackle delves into the potential elevens and tactics for this highly-anticipated clash.
Team News & Tactics
Argentina
The world champions will be without first-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who is serving the second of his two-game suspension following a red card. In his absence, Geronimo Rulli is expected to deputise in goal. Cristian Romero, having missed the Venezuela match due to yellow card accumulation, will return to the heart of the defence.
Lionel Messi, who returned to the starting lineup after recovering from fitness issues, is set to start again, while Thiago Almada could also retain his spot. However, there is heavy competition for places, with players like Lautaro Martinez pushing for inclusion.
In terms of formation, Argentina will likely set up in a 4-3-3. Geronimo Rulli will occupy the goalkeeper position. Nahuel Molina will play at right-back, with Nicolas Otamendi and Cristian Romero forming the central defensive partnership, while Nicolas Tagliafico takes up the left-back position.
In midfield, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, and Giovani Lo Celso are expected to provide balance, while Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez, and Lautaro Martinez will lead the attack up front.
This setup allows for a fluid midfield and attack, with Messi drifting inside and Alvarez offering versatility in the forward line, while Romero and Otamendi provide defensive solidity at the back.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Rulli; Molina, Otamendi, Romero, Tagliafico; De Paul, Fernandez, Lo Celso; Messi, Alvarez, Martinez
Bolivia
Bolivia will be missing a few key players for their clash as first-choice goalkeeper Carlos Lampe remains sidelined due to the injury he picked up during their win over Chile, with Guillermo Viscarra expected to continue deputising in goal.
Hector Cuellar is suspended following his red card against Colombia, while Ervin Vaca and Yomar Rocha have both pulled out of the squad due to injuries. Despite these absences, Bolivia will look to rely on Miguelito, who has been in red-hot form for the national team, having scored in three consecutive games, though his club form has been limited.
In terms of formation, Bolivia will likely line up in a 4-3-3 formation. Guillermo Viscarra will start in goal, with Diego Medina at right-back, Luis Haquin and Marcelo Suarez forming the centre-back pairing, and Jose Sagredo slotting in at left-back.
The midfield will consist of Robson Matheus Tome, Gabriel Villamil, and Ramiro Vaca, providing both defensive cover and playmaking ability. In the attack, Miguelito will play on the right wing, Carmelo Algaranaz will lead the line as the central striker, and Jeyson Chura will operate on the left.
This setup allows Bolivia to play compact in midfield while utilizing Miguelito’s pace and creativity on the wings, with Algaranaz leading the line to try and disrupt Argentina’s defence.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Viscarra; Medina, Haquin, Suarez, Sagredo; Matheus, Villamil, Ramiro Vaca; Miguelito, Algaranaz, Chura
Key Stats
- Argentina have won 10 out of 11 home World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia, drawing only once. Bolivia’s only point came from a 1-1 draw back in 2013, making Argentina overwhelming favourites on home soil.
- Bolivia traditionally struggle away from home in World Cup qualifiers, with their last away win coming just last month against Chile, which was their first such victory in 31 years.
- Argentina have conceded just eight goals in their last 20 World Cup qualifiers, showcasing their defensive solidity. They have also kept clean sheets in six of their last 10 home qualifiers.
- Bolivia have always thrived at home due to the high altitude, but when playing away from their conditions, their performances dip drastically.
Player to Watch
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi remains Argentina’s talisman and one of the most influential players in world football. Despite a quieter outing in the draw against Venezuela, Messi is set to play a pivotal role against Bolivia. Having scored 8 goals in 10 appearances against Bolivia, Messi thrives in this matchup, and his ability to unlock defences with his vision, dribbling, and clinical finishing makes him the key player to watch.
With Argentina looking to bounce back and secure three points, Messi’s leadership and attacking threat will be critical in breaking down Bolivia’s defence and guiding his team to victory. Expect Messi to be at the heart of Argentina’s offensive play as they aim to maintain their position atop the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table.
Prediction
Argentina 3-0 Bolivia
Playing at home, Argentina will be eager to bounce back from their draw against Venezuela, will be expected to dominate this match. Bolivia’s recent improvements under Oscar Villegas have been impressive.
However, their away form in South America has historically been poor, and the Albiceleste’s strength at home is formidable. With Lionel Scaloni’s side likely motivated to secure another three points, Argentina should have enough firepower to comfortably see off Bolivia.
