Argentina and Uruguay meet in a crucial World Cup Qualifier in Montevideo

Argentina and Uruguay are set to play each other on Thursday night in FIFA World Cup 2018 Qualifiers. Both teams will be looking for three points.

Kick-off : 8:00 PM (Local)

Venue : Centenario, Montevideo

The two South American giants will be vying for a vital win as the qualification to next summers World Cup in Russia comes to a close.

Brazil have already qualified for the World Cup. But these two as well as other 7 CONMEBOL countries battle for the remaining three automatic spots and one play-off berth.

Uruguay are currently sitting on third place but if Argentina beats them in Montevideo then the latter will overtake them.

It’s a new era for Argentina under Jorge Sampaoli as he prepares for his first competitive match in charge.

Sampaoli had named a strong squad in summers friendly versus Brazil when he was newly appointed and he has again done the same thing now.

Argentina are in a spot of bother at the moment, with qualification to next year’s World Cup looking tough.

Sampaoli will have to address that quickly and carve out a way for the Albiceleste to safely qualify from the South American zone.

They currently sit fifth in CONMEBOL qualifying, which means they will have to play in an intercontinental play-off against the best team from Oceania – likely to be New Zealand.

That shouldn’t be a problem but they would like to avoid it. But their fate remains in their own hand.

As for Uruguay, they have lost three qualifiers in a row and two recent friendlies and will be in for a tough game versus neighbors Argentina.

Team news and possible line-ups

Luis Suarez is recovering from a knee injury and is doubtful for Thursday’s game. Abel Hernandez will not be available for Uruguay.

Manuel Lanzini and Eduardo Salvio will not be available for Argentina due to injury. While Mauro Icardi might be considered over Sergio Aguero for Thurday’s game.

Uruguay XI : Muslera, Pereira, Godin, Gimenez, Silva, Sanchez, Vecino, Rios, Rodriguez, Cavani, Rolan.

Argentina XI : Romero, Mercado, Fazio, Otamendi, Pinola, Biglia, Banega, Di Maria, Messi, Icardi, Dybala.

Prediction

I expect Argentina to win this game 4-2.