Possible Argentina lineup To Face Nigeria – Former Liverpool Star To Anchor The Midfield

After Lionel Messi won Argentina’s encounter against Iran on his own, the Albiceleste take on Bosnia and Herzegovina slayers Nigeria at Port Alegre. Argentina have already booked their spot in the knockout stages of the World Cup after winning their opening two matches and only require a draw against the African side to top the group, which would most likely mean they avoid France in Sao Paulo next Tuesday. So what would be the Albiceleste’s strongest possible lineup against the Africans? We here at Soccersouls have the answer.

Goalkeeping and Defence:

Sergio Romero had to pull off two magnificent saves to keep Iran from scoring. The Monaco shot stopper didn’t play much for his club in the 2013-14 season but looks to be sharp at the back of a fragile looking Albiceleste defense. Nigeria would provide Romero a difficult shift in than Iran and it would be great for Alejandro Sabella’s side if their goalkeeper can keep yet another clean sheet going into the knockout stages of the competition.

Marcos Rojo was a lively oulet for Argentina darting repeatedly up front with his runs, constantly overlapping Angel Di Maria on the left flank. Pablo Zabaleta has looked sharp despite being caught out of pace by Dejagah against Iran. Napoli’s Federico Fernandez stills remains a weak line at the back while Benfica defender and Manchester United target Ezequiel Garay will start for Argentina at the heart of the backline. Nigeria will offer a different attacking threat that from Iran which can cause the fragile defense to wilt under pressure.

Midfield

Former Liverpool star Javier Mascherano should start in his quarter back role, looking to screen the back four with Fernando Gago being the mainstay of the 4-3-3 system employed by Sabella. Angel Di Maria has looked out of sorts much like Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero, but the Real Madrid winger who constantly shuttles in space to make space for himself, needs only a half chance to make it count. Di Maria would love Rojo to overlap him time and again as he would resort to put crosses in from the flank.

Strikeforce:

 

Lionel Messi won the match on his own with a sumptuous late strike but Argentina were far from impressive. Gonazolo Higuain and Sergio Aguero have drawn blanks in both the opening encounters which would keeps the frowns on Sabella’s forehead growing by the minute. The Albicelste  do have options in the bench including the likes of Ezequiel Lavezzi and Rodrigo Palacio who can be called on if required in the later stages.