Argentina will clash heads with Saudi Arabia at the Lusail Iconic Stadium this Tuesday as they try to kick off their 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign with a victory. The Argentina national team are in a great run of form as they are unbeaten in their last 35 international matches. Hence, the South American nation has every reason to be optimistic about their chances of securing maximum points from this game.
Lionel Scaloni could opt for a 4-4-2 formation and is expected to name Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez as his strikers for this game. Therefore, Julian Alvarez has to settle for a spot on the bench.
4-4-2 Argentina Predicted Lineup To Face Saudi Arabia
Defence
Emiliano Martinez will feature in between the sticks for Argentina after securing a clean sheet versus the United Arab Emirates recently. Lisandro Martinez could function alongside Cristian Romero at the heart of Scaloni’s defence as they try to keep a good defensive shape at the back during the 90 minutes.
Marcos Acuna will fill in as the left-back while Nahuel Molina hopes to give a good account of himself as the right-back. Both of them will get the freedom to get forward and join in on the attack at every chance they get.
Nicolas Otamendi will have to be content with a spot on the bench as he offers cover for the defensive positions.
Midfield
Leandro Paredes and Rodrigo De Paul will anchor the midfield for Argentina as they try to dominate the ball at the centre of the park and engineer enough clear-cut chances to win this World Cup opener this Tuesday.
Alexis Mac Allister will try to catch the eye as the left-sided wide player while Angel Di Maria hopes to put in a productive performance on the right. Both of them need to stretch the Saudi Arabia backline and create some meaningful opportunities for their teammates to score.
Guido Rodriguez will be named on the bench as he waits for his chance to shine in the second 45 minutes if required.
Attack
Lautaro Martinez and Lionel Messi will lead the line for the Argentina national team in the final third. Both of them would be eager to get their names on the scoresheet versus Saudi Arabia and start this World Cup campaign on a high.
Julian Alvarez will be available for selection on the bench and might come on to influence the game in the latter stages if needed.