Feisty encounter ahead as Chile host Argentina
With four games to go in the brutal South American World Cup qualifying tournament Chile host Argentina in need of a victory to break into the top five in the ten team group.
La Albiceleste have only conceded six goals in their 13 outings in qualifying, however without Lionel Messi as their go to man in possession in this international break, and Chile having more to play for, the hosts may be able to take a stranglehold.
Despite their position in the group Lionel Scaloni’s men are outsiders for this matchup with Messi’s absence having caused a huge sway in the market.
Background
Even without Messi’s presence, Lautaro Martinez, Papu Gomez, Lucas Ocampos and Rodrigo De Paul are all world class players on their day who La Roja will have to plan for.
The defensive contingent is concerning and with a carnival atmosphere at Estadio Zorros del Desierto, Chile will believe they can get on top of them without having to worry about dealing with Messi orchestrating the game.
Arturo Vidal, Francisco Sierralta and Mauricio Isla will all miss the match, the latter two with coronavirus and the former through suspension.
There is an argument that Vidal is as big of a loss for La Roja as Messi is for Argentina.
Goals?
It is surprising to see Argentina outsiders even though they have less to play for.
Chile have the talent to hurt La Albiceleste in a match that could define their qualifying campaign.
Chile have scored in six of ten.
Chile have conceded in five of ten.
Chile have seen both teams score in two of ten.
Chile have seen over 2.5 goals in three of ten.
Argentina have scored in seven of ten.
Argentina have conceded in two of ten.
Argentina have seen both teams score in two of ten.
Argentina have seen over 2.5 goals in three of ten.
Chile are not as threatening as they were in their golden generation, but this group of players deserve to compete in one more World Cup before hanging up their boots and with Ben Brereton Diaz in the form he has been of late, they will take some stopping.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Ben Brereton Diaz gave Chile hope with a superb header by La Albiceleste were too good, and earned a 2-1 victory on their travels.