As Paraguay prepares to face Argentina in a crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier on November 15, 2024, all eyes are on both teams’ lineups and injury updates. This match promises to be a high-stakes encounter for both sides, especially as they push toward securing a place in the next World Cup.
Here’s everything you need to know about the expected starting lineups, confirmed team news, and injury updates for Paraguay and Argentina as they prepare for this vital clash.
Argentina’s Team News:
Key Players:
- Lionel Messi (Captain): After recently leading Argentina to a historic Copa América and World Cup title, Messi remains the team’s most influential player. Fans were concerned about his fitness after an injury scare earlier in the qualifiers, but Messi is expected to be fit and ready to lead the team against Paraguay.
- Julián Álvarez: The Manchester City forward has been in good form for his club and is expected to play a key role in Argentina’s attacking setup.
- Rodrigo De Paul: The midfield dynamo from Atlético Madrid will continue to be a key player for Argentina, providing balance and creativity in midfield.
Injury Updates:
- Paulo Dybala: The AS Roma forward has been sidelined due to a muscular injury. Although he was part of the squad for previous qualifiers, his participation in this match is doubtful.
- Emiliano Buendía: The Aston Villa winger has missed recent matches due to injury, and while he has been training with the squad, it’s uncertain if he will be match-fit in time for this game.
- Lautaro Martínez: The Inter Milan striker is expected to play, though Argentina will carefully monitor his fitness due to a recent minor knock.
Expected Starting 11:
- Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez
- Right-back: Nahuel Molina
- Center-back: Cristian Romero
- Center-back: Nicolás Otamendi
- Left-back: Marcos Acuña
- Midfield: Rodrigo De Paul
- Midfield: Enzo Fernández
- Midfield: Leandro Paredes
- Right wing: Ángel Di María
- Striker: Julián Álvarez
- Left wing: Lionel Messi (Captain)
Paraguay’s Team News:
Key Players:
- Miguel Almirón: The Newcastle United star has been one of Paraguay’s most dangerous players in recent qualifiers. Expect him to be a key threat on the counterattack, as Paraguay will likely rely on speed and transitions to unsettle Argentina’s defense.
- Nicolás González: The Fiorentina forward has been in excellent form, and his pace and creativity will be crucial as Paraguay looks to exploit Argentina’s defensive vulnerabilities.
- Roberto Fernández: The experienced Paraguayan goalkeeper has been in good form and will be tasked with keeping out the likes of Messi and Álvarez.
Injury Updates:
- Carlos González: The Tigres UANL forward has been dealing with a muscle strain, and while he’s part of the squad, his fitness will be a late decision.
- Blas Riveros: The Lyon defender has been nursing a minor knee injury. However, he is expected to be available for selection.
- Andrés Cubas: The defensive midfielder is recovering from an ankle issue and has been in and out of the lineup in recent weeks. It is expected that Cubas will be available for the match, but there’s a possibility that Berizzo may opt for a more defensive setup to mitigate Paraguay’s injury concerns.
Expected Starting 11:
- Goalkeeper: Roberto Fernández
- Right-back: Alan Rodríguez
- Center-back: Fabián Balbuena
- Center-back: Junior Alonso
- Left-back: Blas Riveros
- Midfield: Andrés Cubas
- Midfield: Gastón Giménez
- Midfield: Miguel Almirón
- Right wing: Nicolás González
- Striker: Adam Bareiro
- Left wing: Derlis González
Tactics and Key Matchups:
- Argentina’s Strength: As expected, Argentina will dominate possession, with Messi pulling the strings in midfield and Álvarez and Di María providing width in attack. Argentina will look to break down Paraguay’s defense with quick passes and precise movement, relying on their star power to create chances.
- Paraguay’s Counterattack: On the other hand, Paraguay is expected to sit deeper, absorbing pressure and looking to counter with the pace of Almirón and González. With players like Adam Bareiro and Miguel Almirón, Paraguay will look to exploit Argentina’s high defensive line and speed up transitions to create chances.
What’s at Stake:
- Argentina: With a strong squad, Argentina aims to secure a vital win to stay at the top of the South American World Cup qualifiers. A victory would help them maintain momentum as they chase Brazil and other top teams for direct qualification spots.
- Paraguay: After a strong start to the qualifiers, Paraguay will be looking to claim an unexpected victory and continue their push for a spot in the 2026 World Cup. The team knows that beating Argentina would be a major boost for their qualification hopes and help them stay in the hunt for a top-five finish.
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