Defending champions Argentina have made a fine start at the World Cup. After sweeping Algeria aside 3-0 in their opening match, Lionel Scaloni’s side is now busy preparing for its second match, against Austria — and there are hints of at least two changes to the starting eleven.
The Argentine outlet TyC Sports reports that coach Scaloni is rethinking a few positions from the first-match line-up, with changes most likely in attack.
Although Lautaro Martínez started against Algeria, Julián Álvarez made a strong impact after coming on in the second half. Now fully fit after a left-ankle injury, the forward is the front-runner to return to the starting eleven; he was benched in the first match because of his physical condition, not his form.
There is also a big question in midfield. Thiago Almada started the first match alongside Enzo Fernández, Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister, but did not meet expectations. Nicolás González could come in for him; González added extra pace and variety to Argentina’s attack after coming on in the second half.
A change at left-back, on the other hand, looks unlikely. With Facundo Medina having handled the role well in the first match, the team management does not want to rush Nicolás Tagliafico back in, even though he is fully fit.
All told, Scaloni’s side could look somewhat different against Austria, with the reigning world champions planning to take the field with new pace in attack and a different equation in midfield.
Probable eleven: Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Facundo Medina; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Nicolás González; Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez.
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