Just weeks ago, Argentina and Canada clashed in the Copa América curtain raiser at Mercedes-Benz Stadium; now, 875 miles north, the stakes have been significantly raised, with these same duo going head-to-head in East Rutherford for a place in the final itself.
Argentina Predicted Lineup Vs Canada
How Argentina Have Lined up Recently
Having heavily rotated for the dead-rubber final group game against Peru, giving all previously under-utilised squad members some minutes, Lionel Scaloni recalled all of his big guns for last Thursday’s quarter-final clash with Ecuador.
Having scored in all three group games, the first player to achieve this at a Copa since 2001, Lautaro Martínez was given the nod to lead the line, only to be hooked after little over an hour in Texas, replaced by Julián Álvarez, so could the Manchester City striker return to the team here?
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The surprise development during the tournament has been the increase in Nicolás González’s importance, an unused substitute on opening night, he’s now started against both Chile and Ecuador, providing width and balance from the left side, meaning Ángel Di María misses out.
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At the back, Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martínez are now the first-choice centre-back duo, with Nicolás Otamendi the man to miss out.
Argentina Recent Form and Tactics
Having won all three group games without conceding, most forecast that la Albiceleste would swat Ecuador aside in their quarter-final clash on Thursday, this especially the case when Martínez headed his team in front on the cusp of halftime in Houston.
However, Scaloni’s side never looked like adding a second and paid the price, with la Tri equalising deep into injury time, thereby forcing a penalty shootout in the Lone Star State.
Lionel Messi stepped up first and, to the shock of everyone in attendance, attempted a Panenka that caressed the crossbar and bounced over.
Luckily, Emi Martínez saved both of Ecuador’s first two attempts, with Argentina perfect from there on out, with Otamendi converting the decisive spot-kick in Houston.
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They have avoided a bit of a scare, but this is far from new territory for this team, having won one penalty shootout en route to Copa glory three years ago, and then two more in Qatar in 2022, including in the final itself of course.
In fact, each of the last seven Copa champions, dating back to 2001, has won a penalty shootout en route to victory, a trend Argentina will be looking to continue in Miami on Sunday.
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This team dominates possession, boasting 65% when they came up against Canada just under three weeks ago.
Across their 18 fixtures since the World Cup Final, la Albiceleste have averaged around 66.5% possession, with a similar figure expected at MetLife Stadium, considering the high-pressing style of Jesse Marsch’s Canucks.
Argentina Injuries to Consider
Left-back Marcos Acuña is carrying a bit of injury just now, so Nicolás Tagliafico will keep his place, but is a more than able deputy.
Argentina Predicted Lineup
GK: Emi Martínez
RB: Nahuel Molina
CB: Cristian Romero
CB: Lisandro Martínez
LB: Nicolás Tagliafico
CM: Enzo Fernández
CM: Alexis Mac Allister
RM: Rodrigo De Paul
LM: Nicolás González
ST: Lionel Messi
ST: Julián Álvarez
