Argentina vs Paraguay: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

2026 CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers are underway

The reigning world champions Argentina will take on Paraguay in a FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers clash at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The Argentina national football team head into the match on the back of their 3-0 win over the Bolivia national football team in their second World Cup qualifier match having earlier registered a 1-0 victory over Ecuador in September.

The current World Champions are having a good time as they are placed second in the table just below Brazil. Since their win over France to clinch the 2022 FIFA World Cup crown in Qatar, Argentina are on a six-match winning run in all competitions. On the other hand, Paraguay is with a new head coach Daniel Garnero and will look to get something from this match as they are struggling with their recent form and will like to give a tough challenge to the home team.

Kick-Off:

Friday, 13th October, 2023, 04:30 AM (IST), 12-10-23, 11:00 PM (GMT), 12-10-23, 07:00 PM (EST)

Form

Argentina Form (All Competitions): W-W-W-W

Paraguay Form (All Competitions): L-W-D-L

Players to Watch

Julian Alvarez (Argentina)

Álvarez is a versatile player and can play in several different positions. He can play as a centre-forward or a right-winger in a three-man attack, but can also play up front in a two, and he enjoys having a strike partner. He works hard to create space for teammates in central areas.

With his extremely intelligent movement, he is constantly on the lookout for space to offer a vertical passing option to his midfield teammates. Álvarez is clinical in the penalty area. His off-the-ball movement is exceptional, and he possesses an excellent understanding of how to attack the space behind an opposing back line. He is also both excellent in one-on-one situations and a genuine team player. 

Miguel Almiron (Paraguay)

Almirón has consistently demonstrated his versatility within an attack.  His ability to receive possession under pressure is a particular strength. He is similarly effective without the ball when, like so many other South American footballers, he is aggressive and works tirelessly to press and regain possession. He is one of the best players in the Paraguay team and is a fan favourite.

Match Facts

• Argentina have played six games so far in 2023 and have won all six.
• Daniel Garnero replaces Guillermo Barros Schelotto after Paraguay’s poor start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Injury and Team News

Argentina are sweating over the fitness of their captain Lionel Messi, who missed the clash against Bolivia with an injury. Although the former Barcelona and PSG star is in the squad for the upcoming clash against Paraguay, the 36-year-old is doubtful to start in Friday’s match.

Besides Lionel Messi, Argentina will be without the services of midfielder Angel di Maria and centre-back Lisandro Martinez who are out of the squad with injuries. Star forward Paulo Dybala is also ruled out of Friday’s match due to an injury.

Paraguay will have a new coach, Daniel Garnero in the dugout. The Argentine replaced compatriot Guillermo Barros Schelotto after Paraguay’s poor start to their World Cup qualifying campaign. Paraguay is currently languishing in sixth place with a solitary point in the World Cup Qualifiers standings.  Plus forwards Julio Enciso and Derlis Gonzalez are both out for this pair of qualifiers. Midfielder Richard Ortiz is also not in the squad.

Head-to-Head

Matches: 110

Argentina: 59

Paraguay: 16

Draws: 35

Predicted Lineup for Argentina vs Paraguay

Argentina Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):

Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico, De Paul, Enzo, Mac Allister, Beltran, Alvarez, Gonzalez

Paraguay Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):

Carlos; Rojas, Balbuena, Gomez, Alonso, Gomez, Cubas, Villasanti, Almiron, Avalos, Sosa

Match Prediction for Argentina vs Paraguay

There is undoubtedly a gap in quality between Argentina and Paraguay on paper but the head-to-head results have been relatively even recently.  La Albiceleste certainly has continuity, as Lionel Scaloni has been at the helm since 2018, whereas Paraguay has a new head coach. The current world champions will come out as the winner in the match.

Prediction: Argentina 2-0 Paraguay

Telecast

India: FanCode

UK: CONMEBOL TV

USA: Vix, Telemundo, Fubo, Fanatiz, Universo

Nigeria: FIFA+