Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how Argentina could line up for Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier at home to Bolivia.
Lionel Scaloni could reinstate Lautaro Martinez to the Argentine starting lineup when they host Bolivia in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying on Tuesday.
Martinez was only a substitute away in Venezuela on Thursday, as Argentina limped to a 1-1 draw in Maturin, but Scaloni could go more offensive against a Bolivia side who rarely travel well in qualifying.
La Verde have only ever taken one point in 11 previous away qualifiers against Argentina, meaning the hosts could have more freedom to be open and expansive here than they were when they struggled against a tricky Venezuela side last week.
Thiago Almada was the man preferred as one of the three offensive options for Argentina last week, after he was rewarded for his fine club form with a start, but was hooked at the interval.
The home side will also hope Lionel Messi can have more of an influence on proceedings, after he struggled to contribute much on his return to the national side after a three-month layoff.
Messi has scored five goals in four starts since returning for Inter Miami, and he has also scored more goals against Bolivia than any other national side – eight – so the Argentine number 10 will be looking to add to that tally here.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is still out suspended and will not return until November’s internationals, but Cristian Romero will be available to Scaloni once again after he served his ban in the draw with Venezuela.
Exequiel Palacios is back in the squad after missing the start of the season with injury, but the Bayer Leverkusen man was an unused sub in Maturin, and will likely be left on the bench again behind the in-form Giovani Lo Celso here.
Injuries to Paulo Dybala, Nicolas Gonzalez, Marcos Acuna and Alejandro Garnacho saw them all pull out of the squad shortly before travelling, but none of their replacements got a look in last week.
Julio Soler and Nico Paz are both eyeing up a first cap, while Facundo Buonanotte could get just his third after being the replacement for Garnacho, but if so, that is likely to come from the bench.
Argentina possible starting lineup:
Rulli; Molina, Otamendi, Romero, Tagliafico; De Paul, Fernandez, Lo Celso; La Martinez, Alvarez, Messi
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