Argentina vs Australia: Predicted lineup, injury news, and Head-to-head

La Albiceleste and the Socceroos confront in the Round of 16 on Saturday night at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.

Argentina is now in its stride and came to its senses against Poland in the World Cup 2022, ruling the game from start to finish. They would have scored more goals if it hadn't been for Wojciech Szczesny. Despite missing the penalty, Messi was excellent, as he created numerous chances and the entire squad delivered and did the deed.

Australia will not fear any team; after losing to France, they clawed back and won back-to-back matches. Australia appears to be energetic in their match and is going against the third-ranked team in FIFA. There have already been numerous upsets, and Asian giants want to be on the list as they attempt to knock Argentina out of the knockout stage.

Kick-off: 12:30 am (IST), 7 pm (GMT)

Argentina form (all competition): W-W-L-W-W

Australia form (all competition): W-W-L-W-W

Players to Watch

Argentina

Enzo Fernandez

Enzo Fernandez helped keep Argentina's midfield flexible and stable against Poland and also registered an assist, his presence permitted Messi to start up front as he dominated the Argentina games, and now he will again remain a steady reinforcement from midfield against Australia.

Australia

Mitchell Duke

Duke had been outstanding in the match; his key goal against Tunisia allowed the Kangaroos to advance to the following round, where they defeated Denmark. On the left wing, he is a joy to watch, and the 31-year-old has been decisive in all of the games in which his contribution has assisted Australia remain in contention, and he will be prepared to bring against Australia.

Injury and team news

Lionel Scaloni has changed his team for all three group games in order to establish a suitable balance for the squad. It appears that he may change the team again against Australia, and Di Maria, who suffered muscle strain, was subbed off and is doubtful for the encounter against Australia, while the rest of the team is unscathed.

There are no injury concerns, thus head coach Arnold will announce a strong side for their historic encounter against Argentina. Martin Boyle was forced to withdraw due to a knee injury, however, the player remained in Qatar on crutches.

Head-to-Head stats

Matches: 7

Argentina: 5

Draws: 1

Australia:1

Predicted lineup

Argentina predicted XI (4-3-1-2): E Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuna; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Di Maria, Messi, Alvarez.

Australia predicted XI (4-2-2): Ryan; Degenek, Souttar, Rowles, Behich; Leckie, Irvine, Mooy, Goodwin; Duke, McGree.

Prediction

Argentina is now back to its original state and will be a major threat in every element; they recovered in a convincing fashion and now appear to be a team on a vengeance. Australia will need to implement its plan well enough in order to stay close and not surrender to Argentina's relentless pushing and give Messi too much freedom.

Australia have an amazing pace, but Argentina works better as a team and is more menacing; the Asian giants will struggle to keep up with Argentina's onslaught and will find themselves under pressure.

Prediction: Argentina 3-1 Australia