Copa America 2021 finally begins after the series of unexpected events and threats. Argentina is eyeing for a better result in this year’s edition by looking for a win at their first game against Chile. Unfortunately, it might not be as easy as it seems as Lionel Scaloni’s side has been winless in the last two matches of world cup qualifiers, including against La Roja last week. It will be a bumpy start for both sides since Alexis Sanchez and Co have had an unconvincing trend lately.
Both teams’ previous games
Albiceleste wasted the opportunity to pick up three points in the midweek while travelling to Barraquilla. They already had two-goal lead earlier at the first half through Christian Romero’s header and Leandro Paredes’s close range strike. Colombia scored a lifeline as Luis Muriel buried from the penalty and finally bagged an equaliser as the goalkeeper Agustin Marchessin failed to deny Miguel Borja’s header.
Chile was also unable to seal a win while hosting Bolivia in the midweek as they could only muster a 1-1 draw. Erick Pulgar found the back of the net through his header but the visitor’s skipper Marcelo Moreno Martins scored an equaliser through a penalty.
Possible tactic
Lionel Scaloni might be in favour of 4-3-1-2. Messi will be leading the attack to support two frontmen, Angel Correa and Nicolas Gonzalez. Lautaro Martinez might be sidelined first as he missed a number of decent chances in the past two fixtures. Messi’s new teammate in Barcelona, Sergio Aguero could be considered to be brought on at the second half.
Meanwhile, the Uruguayan Martin Lasarte could attempt to deploy 4-3-3 with the transition to 4-4-2. Alexis Sanchez will still be one of the frontman accompanying Eduardo Vargas while Fiorentina man Erick Pulgar will be taking up a key role in the midfield alongside Charles Aranguiz and Inter Arturo Vidal.
Players to watch
Atalanta man, Christian Romero seems to be the new rising star at the backline. He just scored his maiden international goal in the last outing. Another key man to watch beside Messi in the squad is VFB Stuttgart versatile winger, Nicolas Gonzalez who has netted twice in this qualifiers.
Chile’s new key figures of the team here might not come from the attacking line as Alexis Sanchez and Eduardo Vargas has begun to lose their peak form. They are from the defensive side with Monaco man Guillermo Maripan and Fiorentina defensive midfielder Erick Pulgar who has just scored two goals in 28 caps.
Argentina vs Chile Prediction
Lionel Messi and Co surely would not like to repeat their disappointing result here. They have to improve the intensity, defensive stance and clinical finish in the six yard box to optimise every decent chances they have. If they could cope it, a victory should be on their hand.
Betting odds
Argentina is not exactly the clear favourite now. Their win market is only at 7/10, whereas the value for a draw result is much higher at 3/1. Martin Lasarte’s men are backed to win at 5/1..
