Argentina has just one point in the fourth round of FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifying. Still, they hope to get their campaign back on track when they host Colombia at the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes on Tuesday, with kickoff at 2:30 am.
Argentina, Copa America champions, were forced to work for their 2-1 victory over Chile in Santiago on Friday night; meanwhile, Chile’s qualification hopes hit a 1-0 loss to Peru.
The absence of Lionel Messi and a cluster of COVID-19 cases threatened to derail Argentina’s preparation for their first fixtures of 2022. Still, Lionel Scaloni’s men claimed yet another narrow win in the World Cup Qualifying to see off Chile last time out.
Having earned 32 points so far, Scaloni’s men are assured of a place in Qatar as they sit second in the table – just four points behind Brazil. Their unbeaten streak is also on the line.
While Peru battled on the fringes of World Cup qualification in CONMEBOL qualifying, Colombia’s hopes dimmed when they lost 2-1 at home to Venezuela.
While Colombia’s Reinaldo Rueda’s men struggled to break down their opponents, Peru scored the winner in a priceless move that placed them closer to the World Cup.
Sixth in the table with only three victories from 15 matches, New Zealand are still within touching distance of the playoff spot and four behind Peru in second place.
Argentina vs Colombia Head to Head
Both sides have 15 games against each other, with hosts taking 6 wins while opponents with 2 wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Chile 1-2 Argentina
- Argentina 0-0 Brazil
- Uruguay 0-1 Argentina
- Argentina 1-0 Peru
- Argentina 3-0 Paraguay
Away
- Colombia 0-1 Peru
- Colombia 2-1 Honduras
- Paraguay 0-0 Colombia
- Brazil 1-0 Colombia
- Colombia 0-0 Ecuador
Argentina Team News
All four Argentina players who were cautioned against Chile have been suspended for this game, with Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico, Rodrigo de Paul and Leandro Paredes missing.
Colombia Team News
Like most South American nations ahead of Matchday 16, Colombia has a suspension concern of their own to work around, with Yerry Mina heading back to Everton.
Prediction and Odds
Colombia faces an Argentina defence that has undergone significant alteration but is likely to produce little joy for coach Jose Pekerman.
- Argentina Win
- Double Chance
- Both Teams to Score
