Jorge Sampaoli should consider all plausible options
The match against Nigeria is undoubtedly the biggest game in Lionel Messi’s international career. If the little maestro fails to lead Argentina to victory, his dream of winning the World Cup and surpassing compatriot Diego Maradona, will be nothing more than ashes.
La Albiceleste have just 1 point from two group games, and need to register a big win against Nigeria to stand a chance of making it out of the group. And even if Argentina win, Croatia needs to win or draw against Iceland for Jorge Sampaoli’s side to qualify.
Jorge Sampaoli’s conservative tactics haven’t worked so far. The 3-4-3 formation disallows a passing game, which Argentina attempted in the 3-0 defeat against Croatia and the 1-1 draw against Iceland. But a change in formation may reinvigorate the ageing Argentina side.
Possible starting XI (4-2-3-1) :
Goalkeeper : Willy Caballero
Right-back : Gabriel Mercado
Centre-back (right) : Nicolás Otamendi
Centre-back (left) : Marcos Rojo
Left-back : Marcos Acuña
Holding midfielder : Javier Mascherano
Central playmaker : Éver Banega
Wide right midfielder : Lionel Messi
Shadow striker : Paulo Dybala
Wide left midfielder : Cristian Pavón
Centre forward : Gonzalo Higuaín
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Due to lack of options, Willy Caballero will have to stay in goal despite making a terrible mistake against Croatia, who costed a goal. At right-back, Gabriel Mercado can provide defensive solidity while Nicolás Otamendi’s experience can help the side.
28-year old Manchester United centre-back Marcos Rojo can slot in to replace Nicolás Tagliafico, while Marcos Acuña should be providing an attacking edge on the left. In midfield, Javier Mascherano’s vision and experience keeps him in the side.
Éver Banega can replace Enzo Pérez, who was very poor against Croatia. Cristian Pavón can replace the underperfoming Maximiliano Meza on the left, with Lionel Messi keeping to the right. Paulo Dybala can play in his preferred attacking midfielder role.
Up top, Gonzalo Higuaín can replace Sergio Agüero, who looked out of touch against Croatia, despite scoring against Iceland. The perfect combination is hard to find, especially for a manager who has been in charge for little more than a year.
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But if he can get the players to form an understanding, this Argentina squad can conquer the world.