2018 FIFA World Cup – Nigeria vs Argentina Preview
AT A GLANCE
When? Tuesday 26th June, 19:00
Where? Krestovsky Stadium
What channel is it on? BBC1
Where can I stream the match? BBC license holders can stream the match online via BBC iPlayer
Are tickets still available? https://www.ticketbisevents.com/en/group-d-argentina-iceland-croatia-nigeria-tickets/ca5914
THE TEAM NEWS
NIGERIA
- Nigeria rescued their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds by beating Iceland 2-0 last time out and their destiny is in their own hands as they face Lionel Messi and his Argentina side in this crunch clash.
- Coach Gernot Rohr switched to a 3-5-2 formation in that game from 4-3-3 and it worked well so he will almost certainly stick with that for this one. Musa was the hero in the Iceland game with his two goals and Rohr will surely stick with the same starting line-up for this match.
Predicted line-up (3-5-2):
Uzoho
Omeruo, Troost-Ekong, Balogun
Moses, Mikel, Ndidi, Etebo, Idowu
Musa, Iheanacho
Unavailable: None
Doubtful: None
ARGENTINA
- Argentina are still reeling from the shocking loss to Croatia and there has been plenty of criticism coming their way in recent days with Maradona even reportedly keen to meet the players to share his opinions.
- They still have a chance of progressing if they can win this game but the overall mood in the camp is not great right now but they will give it their best even if self-belief is pretty low at present.
- Guzman is set to come in for Caballero after his poor mistake for the opener, while Di Maria could also be handed a recall to the side as Sampaoli considers fielding a more experienced line-up and bolstering the midfield with Banega in with two defensive midfielders.
Predicted line-up (4-2-3-1):
Guzman
Mercado, Fazio, Otamendi, Rojo
Mascherano, Biglia
Messi, Banega, Di Maria
Aguero
Unavailable: None
Doubtful: None
THE PREDICTION
All the pressure is on Argentina here and they have shown that they are struggling to deal with the weight of expectancy right now. Nigeria will be a tough opponent to face and they too have plenty to play for, so expect another wild and open match as has been the case with some of their recent meetings and this should feature a few goals.
