Argentina will bid to continue their perfect FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign when they host Uruguay in Buenos Aires.
The World Cup holders have won all four of their qualifiers so far, putting them five points clear of a chasing pack that includes their visitors, as well as arch rivals Brazil.
After winning their first three games under new manager Marcelo Bielsa, Uruguay lost in Ecuador and then drew in Colombia. They recovered in style, though, with a 2-0 home victory over Brazil in their most recent qualifier.
The Sporting News takes a look at the key details, latest odds and potential best bets ahead of Argentina versus Uruguay.
MORE: How to watch Argentina vs Uruguay in CONMEBOL clash
Argentina vs Uruguay match facts
- Date: Thursday, November 16, 2023
- Kickoff Time: 9 p.m. local (7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT)
- Location: La Bombonera (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
- Last meeting: Uruguay 0-1 Argentina (November 12 2021 | World Cup Qualifier)
Argentina vs Uruguay prediction, odds, best bet
Argentina are strong favourites to win and should have captain Lionel Messi back in fitness and form, following the end of the striker's season with Inter Miami and his two goals last time out in his country's 2-0 win in Peru on October 18.
As viewers of his former teams will know, Biela's all-action style is not to be underestimated, though. With the likes of Liverpool's Darwin Nunez and Gremio's Luis Suarez – a scorer almost every other game for his club side – in attack, the potential is there for Uruguay to threaten.
| ARG | Draw | URU win | Both teams to score Y / N | Over / Under 2.5 goals | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings (USA) | -175 | +300 | +550 | – | – |
TSN's prediction: Argentina to win (-175 on DraftKings)
TSN's best bet: Julian Alvarez to score and Argentina to win (+330 on DraftKings)
Argentina vs Uruguay lineups, team news
Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho didn't make the Argentina squad, which is a sign of how much strength in depth Scaloni can call upon in his squad. Lionel Messi will start in a free role, with the likes of Rodrigo de Paul and Enzo Fernandez tasked with covering the ground behind him.
- Argentina projected lineup (4-3-3, right to left): Martinez (GK) — Montiel, Romero, Pezzella, Tagliafico — Mac Allister, Fernandes, De Paul — Messi, Alvarez, Gonzalez.
Luis Suarez is back in Marcelo Bielsa's squad, but it looks unlikely that he'll start the game, given his advancing years and the presence of Liverpool's Darwin Nunez. He could be an impact sub, with the side built around Real Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde and Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo.
Uruguay predicted lineup (4-3-3, right to left): Rochet (GK) — Varela, Araujo, Gimenez, Vina — Valverde, Ugarte, Bentancur — Pellistri, Nunez, De La Cruz.
