Copa America holders and world champions Argentina have led the way from the very start, and they’re now six points clear at the top of the table after edging past Uruguay last time out. With Bolivia 15 points back in seventh, Lionel Scaloni’s side have the chance to secure qualification against the Selecao.
A dramatic 2-1 victory over Colombia on Friday means Brazil are now sitting pretty in third, but this qualifying campaign has been a slog for the five-time World Cup winners. However, Dorival Junior has stumbled upon some stability and has facilitated an uptick in results in recent breaks.
They’re unbeaten in five games and haven’t tasted defeat since last September.
The March break has offered a glimpse into life beyond Lionel Messi for the world champions, with the all-time great missing out this month due to an adductor injury he sustained while playing for Inter Miami.
Argentina are also without striker Lautaro Martinez due to a hamstring issue, while Paulo Dybala’s season is over after undergoing surgery. Juventus’ Nico Gonzalez is suspended after he was sent off late on in a typically bitty affair with Uruguay last time out.
On a more positive note, there’s hope that all-action midfielder Rodrigo De Paul will be 100% fit for Brazil’s visit after he missed the 1-0 win over Uruguay. Match-winner from the reverse fixture, Nicolas Otamendi, will partner Cristian Romero at the heart of a stout Argentinian defence.
Argentina predicted lineup vs Brazil (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Mac Allister; Simeone, Fernandez, Almada; Alvarez.
The visitors are without a few notable names, including Ederson and Neymar, while starting goalkeeper Alisson has returned to Liverpool after he was forced off during Brazil’s dramatic win over Colombia. Bento is thus expected to make his third international start on Tuesday night.
Midfielder Gerson has also withdrawn from the squad due to injury, while Gabriel and Bruno Guimaraes are both suspended for the trip to Buenos Aires.
Wolves star Andre is poised to start in the middle of the park alongside Newcastle’s Joelinton.
Brazil predicted lineup vs Argentina (4-2-3-1): Bento; Vanderson, Marquinhos, Ortiz, Arana; Joelinton, Andre, Rodrygo, Raphinha, Vinicius; Pedro.
