INQUISITR.COM / Sports

Argentina Vs. Colombia: Preview, Prediction, Line-Ups, Kickoff Time, & Betting Tips

By Pradeep Nepal
Published on: 03:42 PST, Nov 15, 2016

Argentina hosts Colombia in the World Cup qualifiers at the Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario on November 15. After being thrashed by their arch rival Brazil 3-0 last week, Messi and Co. look to improve their FIFA World Cup qualifiers campaign on their home soil.

Things haven’t been going well for Argentina since their Copa America defeat by Chile. Though their captain Lionel Messi is back on their side after announcing an early retirement, they have struggled to find the winning formula. Their last four matches have resulted in two consecutive draws and two losses, and they are currently sitting in sixth place in the standings with just 16 points. Argentina must start winning against Colombia to kick-start their stumbling campaign and qualify for a ticket to Russia for 2018 World Cup.

Colombia, on the other hand, looks quite confident as they occupy third position in the table with 18 points.

Date, Kickoff Time, And Venue

The game will take place on November 15, 2016, at the Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario. The kickoff times for various time zones are provided below.

  • U.K. time: 11:30 p.m
  • U.S.A time: 6:30 a.m.
  • Pacific time: 3:30 a.m.
  • Kenyan time: 1:30 a.m.
  • UAE time: 2:30 a.m.
  • Indian time: 5:00 a.m.
  • Malaysia time: 6:30 a.m.

Argentina: Team News

Messi #10 of Argentina during a match between Brazil and Argentina as part of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier [Image by Pedro Vilela/Getty Images]

There are no reports of injuries so far for the Albiceleste. The silver lining for manager Edgardo Bauza after a loss against Brazil is that every player seems fit and ready for the next game. However, there is a possibility of some changes in the starting lineup since their game plan has failed to deliver recently.

Reports suggest that coach Edgardo Bauza will return back to the previously used 4-2-3-1 rather than the 4-4-2 that did not work against Brazil.

Young striker Lucas Pratto might replace Gonzalo Higuain as the center forward with Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria providing support from wings. However, Messi will be given his usual free-roaming license.

Despite Higuain losing his place in the starting lineup, Manchester City superstar Sergio Aguero might once again find himself in this crunch game.

In the pre-game press conference, Messi, in particular, was showered with praise by the Colombia goalkeeper, as per ESPN.

“There is no way to stop Messi. We know who he is, how important he is for Argentina and the level of player that he is.”

“We will be trying to play our game,” the Arsenal goalkeeper said. “We are playing against the entire Argentina squad, not just Messi. He is surrounded by players of great quality, so we must be careful of everyone.”

Predicted Lineup of Argentina Vs. Colombia

Romero; Mascherano, Otamendi, Zabaleta, Mas; Ramiro Funes Mori, Perez, Bigila; Di Maria, Pratto, Messi

Colombia: Team News

The Colombians also are quite fit for the showdown against Argentina as there have been no major injuries. Two consecutive draws against Uruguay and Chile have stirred up some concern for Columbia, but Coach Jose Pekerman seems quite positive about his side. Columbia has been in good form this qualifiers campaign, and no team changes are expected against Argentina.

Predicted Lineup of Argentina Vs. Colombia

Ospina; Diaz, Murillo, Arias, Mina; Aguilar, Sanchez, Rodriguez, Cardona; Berrio, Borja

Argentina Vs. Colombia: Prediction

The match is going to be a huge tussle between these two giants. Both teams look a bit shaken now due to recent bad results. Despite recent form being against them, there are some players on both teams who could change the outcome of the game singlehandedly in their day.

Argentina definitely has a major advantage as they are playing on their home soil with tens of thousands of fans supporting them. Since this is a must win match for Argentina, they will, no doubt, give their best and try to move a step closer to Russia

Final Predicted score: Argentina 2- 1 Columbia

Argentina Vs. Colombia: Betting Tips and Odds

  • Argentina win: 4/9
  • A draw: 3/1
  • Colombia win: 7/1
  • Under 2.5 goals: 4/6
  • Over 2.5 goals: 11/10
  • Both teams to score: 5/4
  • Both teams fail to score: 4/7

(The odds were provided by Paddypower.)

Key Stats to consider

  • Argentina has only lost once in the qualifying round with Messi on the team.
  • Argentina hasn’t had a clean sheet in their last four matches.
  • Columbia has not conceded in three of their last five games.

[Featured Image by Buda Mendes/Getty Images]

Share this article: Argentina Vs. Colombia: Preview, Prediction, Line-Ups, Kickoff Time, & Betting Tips
argentina colombia
More from Inquisitr