Argentina face Switzerland in the World Cup quarter-finals in the small hours of Sunday morning, with Lionel Scaloni potentially forced to rotate after a gruelling knockout run.
Argentina's path to the quarter-finals
Argentina have twice brushed with elimination, needing extra time to beat Cape Verde and overturning a two-goal deficit against Egypt in the last-16. The dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt left heavy legs and tired faces at full-time, with Enzo Fernandez scoring a 93rd-minute winner to cap a remarkable late comeback.
Rotation concerns and Messi's role
Scaloni may rotate to keep his side fresh ahead of a potential semi-final, but the question marks centre primarily on Lionel Messi. The 39-year-old is generally undroppable, but for much of the Egypt match he was peripheral as he reached 410 minutes played at this tournament alone. However, he assisted Cristian Romero in the 79th minute before equalising in the 83rd, underscoring his critical role even when leggy. As such, we expect him to keep his place on the right-hand side of Scaloni's attack.
Predicted lineup changes
Lautaro Martinez is expected to come in for Julian Alvarez after his underwhelming performance in his first start of the summer against Egypt. Enzo Fernandez, despite appearing drained at full-time, should continue as the No.10, with Alexis Mac Allister in behind. Leandro Paredes and Rodrigo De Paul are set to complete the midfield setup.
Defensive updates
Cristian Romero was sent for scans after the Egypt game with a worrisome calf niggle, but he has been passed fit and is expected to start again, partnering Lisandro Martinez in central defence.
Predicted Argentina XI vs Switzerland
E. Martinez; Tagliafico, L. Martinez, Romero, Molina; Paredes, De Paul, Mac Allister; Fernandez; Messi, Lautaro Martinez
Match details
The match kicks off at 2am BST on Sunday, July 12 at Kansas City Stadium, and will be broadcast live on ITV.
