MX23RW : Thursday, December 8 00:02:19| >> :120:43666:43666:
[monks data]
Dec 3, 2022 at 7pm UK at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
Argentina
2 - 1
Australia
Messi (35'), Alvarez (57')
FT(HT: 1-0)
Fernandez (77' og.)
Irvine (15'), Degenek (38')

How Argentina could line up against Australia

How Argentina could line up against Australia
© Reuters
Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how Argentina could line up for Saturday's World Cup last-16 clash with Australia.

Now into the knockout stages of Qatar 2022, Argentina meet Australia at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on Saturday, in the last 16 of the World Cup.

The Albiceleste have switched personnel throughout a testing Group C campaign, but now seem to have settled on a winning formula which gets the best out of the squad's undisputed superstar, captain Lionel Messi.

Therefore, coach Lionel Scaloni is set to keep changes to a minimum following Wednesday's 2-0 win over Poland, even though there has been precious little time to recover between matches.

While there remains a clamour for the inclusion of Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez, it seems that Cristian Romero and Nicolas Otamendi are currently Scaloni's preferred duo at the heart of his defence.

However, Nicolas Tagliafico is a strong contender to replace Marcos Acuna at left-back after appearing as a second-half substitute in midweek.

One of the breakout stars of Benfica's superb start to the 2022-23 season, Enzo Fernandez has pushed his way to the front of the queue during the group phase and should again beat Leandro Paredes to a place in a midfield trio also featuring Atletico Madrid workhorse Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister, the latter of whom scored the opening goal versus Poland.

Julian Alvarez netted the second, so is favourite to start up front rather than Lautaro Martinez or Paulo Dybala; joining Angel Di Maria and Messi in a formidable attacking triumvirate. Only a recurring thigh problem could potentially keep Di Maria on the sidelines.

Argentina possible starting lineup: E. Martinez; Molina, Otamendi, Romero, Tagliafico; Mac Allister, Fernandez, De Paul; Alvarez, Messi, Di Maria

> Click here to see how Australia could line up for this last-16 contest

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Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates after the match on November 30, 2022
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World Cup fixtures header 3
Friday, December 9
 
3pm
Quarter-Finals
Croatia
vs.
Brazil
 
7pm
Saturday, December 10
 
3pm
Quarter-Finals
Morocco
vs.
Portugal
 
7pm
Quarter-Finals
England
vs.
France
Tuesday, December 13
 
7pm
Semi-Finals
TBC
vs.
TBC
Wednesday, December 14
 
7pm
Semi-Finals
TBC
vs.
TBC
Saturday, December 17
Sunday, December 18
Todays Game Header Right
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal14121133112237
2Manchester CityMan City14102240142632
3Newcastle UnitedNewcastle1586129111830
4Tottenham HotspurSpurs1592431211029
5Manchester UnitedMan Utd148242020026
6Liverpool1464428171122
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton146352319421
8Chelsea146351717021
9Fulham155462426-219
10Brentford154742325-219
11Crystal Palace145451518-319
12Aston Villa155371622-618
13Leicester CityLeicester155282525017
14Bournemouth154471832-1416
15Leeds UnitedLeeds144372226-415
16West Ham UnitedWest Ham154291217-514
17Everton153571117-614
18Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest153481130-1913
19Southampton153391327-1412
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves15249824-1610

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