Colombia vs Argentina
World Cup, KO: 21:30 Sep 10, 2024, Estadio Metropolitano
Colombia go head-to-head against Argentina on Tuesday. Read our Predictions and Betting Tips with Match Preview, Head-to-head stats (h2h) and Team Form Analysis.
Colombia vs Argentina Match Preview
Sparkles will be flying when Colombia and Argentina square off against each other at Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Melendez in what is expected to be an interesting World Cup qualifier. Los Cafeteros dropped two points in a 1-1 draw with Peru at the weekend and they face an uphill task in Tuesday’s encounter with World Cup title holders. Even though there are no fresh injury concerns in the home team, both Yerry Mina and James Rodriguez should be recalled to the starting XI.
La Albiceleste, on the other hand, defeated Chile 3-0 without injured ace Leo Messi, but beating Colombia in Barranquilla is easier said than done. As both Nico Gonzalez and Alexis Mac Allister limped off with injuries in the previous qualifying game, we do not believe that Lionel Scaloni’s troops are capable of grabbing more than one point from the Colombia showdown.
How the bookies view it: Too close to call
This is a match that the bookmakers have well and truly sat on the fence for with Colombia and Argentina both priced the same as each other. Jilimacao have priced a win for either side at 13/8 while the draw has been priced at 15/8. A big reason for the close odds will be the fact that this is a repeat of the Copa America final which finished 0-0 after 90 minutes.
Recent head-to-head: Draws galore
These two teams have been hard to separate in recent times which only justifies the close odds further. Four of the last six matches between Colombia and Argentina have finished all square after 90 minutes so 15/8 for another draw on Tuesday is far from a bad price.
The most recent clash was two months ago at the Copa America. After a goalless 90 minutes, Argentina went on to win the match and the Copa thanks to an extra-time strike from Lautaro Martinez.
Players to watch: A game of electric forwards
Although the most recent encounter between these two nations finished goalless after 90 minutes, this is a match that contains some of the world’s most exciting forwards even in the absence of Lionel Messi.
Argentina lined up with a 3-5-2 system in their win over Chile, a system that allowed them to play Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez together up front. With Messi still absent, they will almost certainly play the same system again which could spell danger for Colombia.
Alvarez scored the second against Chile on Friday while Martinez famously scored the winner against Colombia in the Copa America final last month.
Argentina’s deadly duo aren’t the only exciting forwards that will take to the pitch on Tuesday night. Luis Diaz has started the new season like a house on fire for Liverpool, scoring three goals in their first three matches and he got on the scoresheet for Colombia against Peru on Saturday.
Predicted line-ups
Neither side picked up any injuries or suspensions in their matches over the weekend so two unchanged starting XI’s could easily line up on Tuesday night. Colombia are perhaps more likely to make changes due to their shoddy performance with Jhon Duran and James Rodriguez both likely options to come into the team.
Colombia: Vargas – Munoz, Lucumi, Mina, Mojica – Rios, Lerma, Arias – Rodriguez, Diaz, Duran
Argentina: E.Martinez – Molina, Otamendi, Romero, Li.Martinez, Gonzalez – Fernadnez, De Paul, Mac Allister – La.Martinez, Alvarez
Colombia vs Argentina Predictions
Given both teams impressive form in the World Cup qualifiers, we expect a thrilling clash. However, we are tipping the World Champions to a narrow victory due to their previous success and immense quality over Colombia.
The previous three matches between the two teams resulted in Under 2.5 goals. Considering both sides sturdy defense, we anticipate a similar result in this encounter. Therefore, under 2.5 is a strong pick to back.
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