World Cup Qualification: Uruguay vs. Argentina Picks — Messi Sits Out Away Match for World Champions (Mar 21)

The top two in South American World Cup qualification lock horns at Centenario on Friday, March 21, with Argentina looking to get their qualifying campaign back on track after winning just twice across their last five matches.

Despite that poor run of form, the world champions still sit five points clear at the top of the standings. Uruguay are second in the rankings, but they have failed to win in four of their last five matches.

Odds

Argentina Dominate H2H Record

Argentina boast a very dominant record based on the historical meetings between these sides. However, they were beaten in the latest clash between the nations in November 2023.

That defeat ended a seven-game losing run for the home side this week, but it should give them confidence to upset the odds on Friday.

Uruguay Team News

National team captain Jose Maria Gimenez is in line to win his 93rd cap for Uruguay this week. Meanwhile, Juan Rodriguez could feature for the national side for the first time.

There have been recalls for Santiago Bueno and Nahitan Nandez for the March internationals after impressing for their respective clubs.

Possible Lineup

S. Rochet (GK); G. Varela, J. Gimenez, M. Olivera, J. Rodriguez, M. Ugarte, R. Bentancur, F. Valverde, F. Pellistri, D. Nunez, R. Aguirre

Argentina Team News

Lionel Messi is the big star missing for Argentina this week after withdrawing from the squad due to injury.

Angel Correa and Santiago Castro have been recalled, while Benjamin Dominguez and Maximo Perrone could both be in line to feature for the national side for the first time.

Possible Lineup

E. Martinez (GK); F. Medina, C. Romero, N. Otamendi, N. Tagliafico, L. Paredes, R. De Paul, A. Mac Allister, G. Simeone, J. Alvarez, L. Martinez

Uruguay vs. Argentina Picks

The fact that Argentina have failed to win in three of their last five matches is notable, but it is also important that they have gone three away matches without a win.

Uruguay showed early promise under Marcelo Bielsa, but getting over the line in matches has been a continued issue. For that reason, a draw could be the most likely result on Friday.