Defending champions Argentina could punch their ticket to the World Cup finals during this international break and, if they do, they will have done it the hard way.
Lionel Scaloni’s men top the CONMEBOL qualifying section, five points ahead of Uruguay ahead of tomorrow night’s clash in Montevideo before they return home to face arch-rivals Brazil next week.
They will also have to play both games without talisman Lionel Messi, who has remained in Miami to recover from an adductor strain.
They still possess a squad full of world class players and Uruguay defender Jose Maria Gimenez knows it will be a tough assignment for his side.
The Atletico Madrid centre-half said: “It’s a difficult game, as are all matches of this calibre. I think we are prepared to compete and we will do it in the best possible way… for us this game is very important.
“The players that Argentina have are grade A. It’s a complicated game.”
With Messi and Lautaro Martinez both absent, Julián Álvarez is likely to start in attack for La Albiceleste and Gimenez is relishing the chance to face his club team-mate.
“I’ll try not to hit Julián because we need him at Atlético,” he joked, before adding: “The shirt has to be defended tooth and nail and, on the pitch, you don’t look at the opponent’s face.”
Lautaro Martínez will be left out of the squad for this March’s double matchday due to a muscle injury in his left hamstring. pic.twitter.com/aULCbZYG46
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) March 19, 2025
Team News for Uruguay v Argentina
Alvarez will lead the attack and could be supported by Juventus winger Nico Gonzalez, who may be pushed more centrally. Angel Correa, another Atletico man, could also be included.
Uruguay have issues of their own with Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte suspended for the first of their two games this week.
Darwin Nunez, who spoke yesterday of his struggles at Liverpool, will start in attack for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
Predicted line-ups for Uruguay v Argentina
Uruguay: Rochet; Nandez, R. Araujo, Gimenez, Saracchi; Valverde, Bentancur; Pellistri, Aguirre, M. Araujo; Nunez
Argentina: Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez; Correa, Gonzalez, Alvarez
How to watch Uruguay v Argentina
The game kicks off at 11.30pm in the UK. It is not available to watch on TV but you can stream it on the bet365 website and app.
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Stats for Uruguay v Argentina
- In 8 of the last 9 Uruguay matches in the World Cup Qualification CONMEBOL, the total number of goals was under 3.5
- In 21 of the last 22 Argentina matches in the World Cup Qualification CONMEBOL, the total number of goals was under 3.5
- Uruguay won their last meeting in 2023, 2-0 thanks to goals from Ronald Araujo and Nunez
- That was Uruguay’s first win over Argentina in 10 years
