Argentina vs Guatemala Preview, Prediction, Lineups and Team News | Friendlies
Preview
Argentina vs Guatemala will take place as an International Friendly at the Commanders Field near Washington D.C. in the US on June 15.
La Albiceleste will enter this game on the back of a strong run of form in the last few months. They have lost just one of their last eight games across competitions in this run, scoring 14 goals in the process. Defensively solid and organized, they kept six clean sheets in this span and conceded just three goals overall. They won their last game at home against Columbia in a Friendly as Angel Di Maria’s first-half strike was enough to take them over the line on that occasion.
Guatemala, on the other hand, have only just got a grip on its shaky form for the last few months. They have won just two of their last eight games across competitions, losing three and drawing three of the remaining six. In this phase, they have scored 10 goals, with nine of those coming in the last two games. Prior to that, they went without scoring for five straight games between October ’23 and March ’24. Having defeated the British Virgin Islands 3-0 last time out, they were looking to put their best foot forward against the world champions.
With that said, let’s take a look at the team news from both camps.
Argentina vs Guatemala Team News
Argentina national football team news
Manager Lionel Scaloni named a full-strength lineup for their last game against Ecuador, with Lionel Messi being the only exception as he started from the bench, appearing as a 56th minute substitute.
Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez and Emiliano Martinez formed the core at the back, while Rodrigo de Paul slotted into midfield alongside Giovani Lo Celso and Leandro Paredes. Angel Di Maria was the captain on the night, with Lautaro Martinez as striker. Julian Alvarez played instead of Messi.
Scaloni will look to keep the momentum going but will also look to give some fringe players a chance, while Messi could start as well.
Guatemala national football team news
Manager Luis Fernando Tena will have a huge task at hand as his team prepare to take on the defending World Champions. Despite securing 6-0 and 3-0 wins in their last two games, the team have not been sufficiently tested yet, which they will experience in the next game.
For that, Tena will maintain the same lineup he used in the last game and hope they click in the same ways. Skipper Jose Pinto will anchor the defence alongside Nicolas Samayoa, with Oscar Castellanos in midfield in front of them. Oscar Santis and Alejandro Galindo will play in the attacking roles, while Rubio Rubin will lead the line.
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Predicted Lineups
Argentina national football team predicted lineup
Emiliano Martinez (GK); Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Marcos Acuna; Rodrigo de Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Giovani Lo Celso; Angel Di Maria, Angel Correa, Lionel Messi (C).
Guatemala national football team predicted lineup
Nicholas Hagen (GK); Jose Morales, Jose Pinto (C), Nicolas Samayoa, Jose Ardon; Oscar Castellanos, Jonathan Franco; Oscar Santis, Alejandro Galindo, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing; Rubio Rubin.
Head-to-Head Record
These two nations have faced off just twice prior to their upcoming encounter. Argentina have won both games comprehensively, with both being played as International Friendlies. The match in 2013 ended 4-0 to Argentina, while they won 3-0 in 2018.
Last 2 Games
- Argentina 3-0 Guatemala | Sep 8, 2018
- Guatemala 0-4 Argentina | Jun 14, 2013
Key Players to Watch Out For
- Lionel Messi – He did not start the last game but has travelled with the squad now and will be raring to go. Lionel Messi will probably make his first start for La Albiceleste in a long time and can be expected to get on the scoresheet. He will also bring others into the game so things could get ugly for Guatemala should their opponents get going. Additionally, Argentina will look to make a statement before Copa America 2024 begins next week.
- Angel Di Maria – Having scored last time out, Di Maria seems to be in fine touch and could get on the scoresheet yet again..
Argentina vs Guatemala Prediction
Going by history, and by the quality of players present on both sides, picking Argentina to win this game seems like a no-brainer. They have also been defensively solid and usually do not let their guard down even against sides that are usually perceived as smaller teams. They should win this one comfortably.
Prediction: Argentina 4-0 Guatemala.
When & Where to watch Argentina vs Guatemala live?
Q. When will Argentina vs Guatemala kick-off?
A. The match will be played at the Commanders Field near Washington D.C. at 1:00 AM (GMT) on Saturday, June 15.
Q. Where can I watch Argentina vs Guatemala game live in USA?
A. Fubo will be offering live streaming options for the game.
Q. Where can I watch Argentina vs Guatemala live in UK?
A. ITV will be offering live-streaming options for the game.
Q. Where can I watch Argentina vs Guatemala live in India?
A. The match will be streamed on SonyLIV app & website.
Q. Where to watch Argentina vs Guatemala live in Argentina?
A. The match will be streamed on Fubo TV.
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