Agencies
Argentina and Uruguay square off in Copa America action on Saturday, in a clash between the two favourites to qualify out of group B.
Argentina kicked off their campaign with a slightly disappointing 1-1 draw with Chile, while their opponents are yet to play, and will look to begin with what would be a huge win.
Coming in as one of the favourites for the title, La Albiceleste will be desperate to record a win to boost their chances of qualifying in one of the top few spots, as they look to improve on their recent continental performances, having lost in the final in four of the last six Copa Americas while failing to lift the trophy since 1993.
They take on a Uruguay side who will aim to start their bid for the title with an impressive victory.
Argentina will be led by talisman Lionel Messi, who scored his 73rd senior international goal to put his nation ahead with that pinpoint free kick on Monday.
He was joined by Lautaro Martinez and Nicolas Gonzalez in the front three in that opening game, although they are not short of options should manager Lionel Scaloni opt to shuffle his pack.
Messi's new Barcelona teammate Sergio Aguero will hope for a starting spot, and he could come in for Gonzalez, who squandered several notable opportunities to put his side out of sight against Chile, with Lautaro Martinez potentially moving across to the left-hand side to accommodate the 33-year-old.
Scaloni has much less reason to change his midfield though, with Giovani Lo Celso, Rodrigo De Paul Argentina’s skipper Lionel Messi joins team’s training session, Uruguay’s forward Luis Suarez with his team arrives in Brasilia on Wednesday. and Leandro Paredes showing themselves to be an impressive unit.
After serving an international suspension in the recent World Cup Qualifiers, experienced striker EdinsonCavani should return to the Uruguay starting XI to reform a potent front line alongside Luis Suarez.
Suarez will line up against his former Barcelona teammate Messi, having recently fired Atletico Madrid to the title ahead of his old side with 21 La Liga goals.
At the other end of the pitch, Jose Gimenez and captain Diego Godin should continue to partner up at the heart of the defence, having made 203 combined international appearances, with Godin's 141 caps a Uruguayan record.
