Argentina looks to make it three wins from three as they entertain Paraguay at the Estadio Monumental Vespucio Liberti. Paraguay, on the other hand, is intent upon making it through to the World Cup for the first time since 2010. To achieve this feat, they would need to pick up points in games like this.
La Albiceleste possesses a slightly better head-to-head record against the Paraguayans. Of all 15 meetings between both sides, The Argentines copped five wins with their opponents managing three. Seven of those games have ended in stalemated including their most recent encounter which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Quite a run for Scaloni and Co.
The boys in White and Sky Blue are heading into matchday three in impressive form. They play hosts to Paraguay looking to stretch their unbeaten run to 10 straight games. Scaloni and his troops are in second after two games in World Cup qualifying, only behind Brazil who have always topped the qualifying stage since 2006.
Lautaro Martinez and Joaquin Correa were both on the scoresheet in their most recent game against Ecuador as they ran out 21 winners. Will they manage to make it three wins on the bounce this Friday?
Decent couple of games for the Los Guaraníes La Albirroja
As mentioned earlier, Berizzo will be looking to guide the Paraguay national team to the World Cup for the first time since 2010. With four points from their opening two games, the Paraguayans, with their fingers crossed, will certainly hope they continue this form.
In their most recent game against Venezuela, they had Antony Silva to thank as he protected their three points with a penalty save on the 95th minute. Eventually, they ran out 1-0 winners with Gaston Gimenez grabbing the solitary goal.
Argentina vs Paraguay Team News
Argentina possible starting XI:
Martinez; Montiel, Otamendi, Martinez Quarta, Tagliafico; Paredes, De Paul, Palacios; Messi, Martinez, Ocampos
Paraguay possible starting XI:
Silva; Espinola, Gomez, Alonso, Arzamendia; Gimenez, R. Rojas, Villasanti; A. Romero, Lezcano, Almiron
Argentina vs Paraguay Prediction: 2-1
Paraguay has managed to stand their ground against the Argentines in recent years. They are heading into this game looking to stretch their unbeaten run against their opponents to four games. On the flip side, Messi and Co. would be looking towards establishing a place at the summit of the table. We expect them to do just that with a narrow win this Friday.