The FIFA World Cup qualifiers are back in action with another set of matches this week as Argentina take on Bolivia on Thursday. The Albicelestes have been excellent in recent weeks and hold the upper hand going into this match.
Bolivia have struggled in their qualification campaign so far and have plenty of work to do in the next few months. The Bolivians suffered a 4-2 defeat against Uruguay last week and will need to bounce back in this fixture.
Argentina, on the other hand, have enjoyed an exceptional year and ended their trophy drought with a Copa America victory. The reigning South American champions did not get to play against Brazil last week and will be intent on making their mark on Thursday.
Argentina vs Bolivia Head-to-Head
Argentina have an impressive record against Bolivia and have won 29 games out of 41 matches played between the two teams. Bolivia have managed only seven victories against Argentina and will need to be at their best on Thursday.
The previous match between the two teams took place in Copa America 2021 and ended in a 4-1 victory for Argentina. Bolivia were poor on the day and will need to be more robust this week.
Argentina form guide: W-W-W-W-W
Bolivia form guide: L-D-L-L-L
Argentina vs Bolivia Team News
Argentina
Emiliano Martinez, Emiliano Buendia, Giovani Lo Celso, and Cristian Romero are on their way back to Europe and are unavailable for this game. Argentina will consequently be forced into several changes this week.
Lionel Messi was on the receiving end of a horrifying tackle against Venezuela but has recovered from the knock. Rodrigo de Paul and Leandro Paredes have been impressive for Argentina and are set to feature as a double pivot against Bolivia.
Injured: Sergio Aguero
Doubtful: None
Unavailable: Emiliano Martinez, Emiliano Buendia, Giovani Lo Celso, Cristian Romero
Bolivia
Diego Bejarano is carrying a knock at the moment and is unlikely to be risked in this fixture. Carmelo Algaranaz has served his suspension and will be available for selection against Argentina.
Injured: None
Doubtful: Diego Bejarano
Suspended: None
Argentina vs Bolivia Predicted XI
Argentina Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Juan Musso; Gonzalo Montiel, German Pezzella, Nicolas Otamendi, Marcos Acuna; Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes; Angel Di María, Lionel Messi, Nicolas Gonzalez; Lautaro Martinez
Bolivia Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Carlos Lampe; Marc Enoumba, Luis Haquin, Adrian Jusino, Roberto Fernandez; Erwin Saavedra, Moises Villarroel; Jeyson Chura, Juan Arce, Rodrigo Ramallo; Marcelo Moreno
Argentina vs Bolivia Prediction
Argentina have enjoyed a triumphant year so far and have built an impressive squad under Lionel Scaloni. With Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, and Angel Di Maria in their ranks, the Albicelestes can potentially be unstoppable in the final third.
Bolivia have struggled this year and are winless in their last seven international matches. Argentina are the better team on paper and should be able to win this game.
Prediction: Argentina 2-0 Bolivia