The game is still a few days away, but the excitement and anxiety is building in Argentina. Argentina opened their 2018 World Cup campaign with a disappointing 1-1 draw with Iceland. Leo Messi drew fresh criticism after the Barcelona star missed a penalty to win the match for the South Americans.
Next up for Argentina are Croatia on Thursday. The Croatians beat Nigeria 2-0 in their opener, while Nikola Kalinac has been sent home from the squad after he refused to come as a sub in that game.
On Tuesday, Ole predict how Argentina could line up against the Croatians.
In a reflection of how unstable the national team are right now, Jorge Sampaoli could make three changes to the XI who began against Iceland.
At the back, Manchester United’s Marcos Rojo is set to be dropped for Sevilla’s Gabriel Mercado.
Former Man United winger Angel Di Maria is also set to lose his starting spot. The PSG star may be replaced by Boca Juniors upstart Christian Pavon.
Finally, Sampaoli may switch up Argentina’s midfield too.
Lucas Biglia may be heading out the XI. Sporting CP’s Marcos Acuna could come in on the left hand side.
While in a final tactical shift, Maximiliano Meza could be brought into a more central role.