Argentina Predicted Lineup vs Algeria

This Argentina predicted lineup will predict how the reigning champions look to get their defence off to the races. They will take on Algeria in their tournament opener with some question marks over how they hope to best maximise the ageing legs of one Lionel Messi. With no nation having defended the World Cup successfully in decades, will the Argentines break the streak or hand over the big gold to a new holder.

Argentina Predicted Lineup & Team News vs Algeria

Latest Team News

Lionel Scaloni spoke to the media before this outing and confirmed that the trio of Messi, Emi Martinez, and Julian Alvarez are all fit to play a part in this one. The three have been dealing with small injuries with them being eased in over the pre-tournament friendlies. Inter Miami’s main man was a substitute in the non-competitive fixtures and could be ready to start here and get minutes into his legs. Nico Tagliafico is set to be monitored, he may be used off the bench as opposed to a starter. Leonardo Balerdi suffered a calf problem that has ruled him out of the tournament. As of now he hasn’t been replaced in the 26-man squad.

Argentina Recent Tactics & Starters

Having surged to the 2022 title with a 4-3-3, the manager has shifted to something more akin to a 4-4-2 of the 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 that we’ve seen become more common across football. The 4-4-2 is designed to make the most of their star player, surrounding him with a solid out-of-possession base.

The Argentine lineup is one of the hardest to predict for this opener. While most nations used the friendlies to run out their strongest eleven, Scaloni used it to rotate players and rested some starters like Enzo Fernandez, so it’s hard to know what Argentina will be up against. Agustin Giay, who started at right back in June is not in the squad for the tournament in one of the more interesting choices the coach made.