Argentina vs Costa Rica: Predicted line-up, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Published at :March 24, 2024 at 5:22 PM

Modified at :March 24, 2024 at 5:23 PM

Argentina won 3-0 against El Salvador in the last friendly match

Argentina have been in very good form in the past few years, having won the past two international tournaments which were the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 Copa America. As the 2024 Copa America draws closer, manager Lionel Scaloni will look to fine-tune the tactics in the friendlies as the Albiceleste look to defend their title.

On the other hand, Costa Rica have been a little shaky in the recent past, having been knocked out 6-1 by Panama in the Nations League quarter-final in November. Under Gustavo Alfaro, the Costa Ricans would be looking forward to gearing up for the World Cup qualifiers. They beat Honduras 3-1 in their last match.

Kick-off:

Friday; 27th March 2024, 8:30 AM IST

Location: United Airlines Field, LA, USA

Form:

Argentina (all-competitions and friendlies): W-W-L-W-W

Costa Rica (all-competitions and friendlies): W-W-L-L-L

Players to watch:

Lautaro Martinez (Argentina)

Lautaro Martinez is Serie A’s top scorer this season, with Inter Milan sitting on top of the table. The 26-year-old has been in scintillating form this season, having scored 23 goals in 26 Serie A games already. He would be crucial in breaking the Costa Rican low block.

Keylor Navas (Costa Rica)

Costa Rica would be heavily dependent on veteran shot-stopper Keylor Navas to keep out the sizzling Argentine attack. Despite not playing a lot of games at PSG, the 37-year-old is still the star of the Costa Rican team, captaining his side.

Injury and team news:

The biggest miss for Argentina will be Lionel Messi, who is sidelined through injury. Paulo Dybala is also out injured. Real Betis’ Guido Rodriguez was called up, with uncapped Valentin Carboni also a part of the squad.

Meanwhile, Costa Rica have most of their regulars available for the match, with coach Alfaro needing as much to stand a chance against an Argentina squad which is in form.

Head-to-head:

Total matches – 7

Argentina wins – 5

Costa Rica wins – 0

Draws – 2

Predicted lineup:

Argentina predicted lineup (4-2-2):

Martinez (GK), Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico, De Paul, Paredes, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Martinez, Alvarez

Costa Rica predicted lineup (5-4-1):

Navas (GK), Dosman, Cascante, Arboine, Calvo, Mora, Campbell, Galo, Brenes, Zamora, Ugalde

Match prediction for Argentina vs Costa Rica:

Argentina will undoubtedly be the favourites due to a stronger squad and better form coming into the game.

Prediction: Argentina 3-0 Costa Rica

Live telecast for Argentina vs Costa Rica:

India- Sony Liv

UK- NA

US- Fubo

Nigeria- NA

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.