How Argentina Could Line Up At The World Cup

All eyes will be on Argentina and superstar Lionel Messi at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, although Jorge Sampaoli's side does have other star names in attack. The manager will have some difficult decisions to make, but here is how the Albiceleste could line up in Russia.

Tired of reading? Click through the gallery above to see how Argentina could line up at the 2018 World Cup, in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

The 2014 runners-up have been drawn with Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria in Group D, which many believe to be the World Cup's "Group of Death".

After thrashing Haiti 4-0 last week, Argentina have just one more friendly to play – against Israel this coming weekend – before the team heads off to Russia, which will be certain players' last chance to impress Sampaoli.

Although the manager might experiment in their final warm-up match on Saturday, it is likely that, after Sergio Romero's injury, Chelsea goalkeeper Willy Caballero will start in the manager's strongest line-up in Russia.

At left-back, Sampoali is likely to select 25-year-old Ajax Amsterdam fullback Nicolas Tagliafico, while on the right-hand side, Sevilla's Gabriel Mercado could feature. Manchester City's Nicolas Otamendi is almost a certain starter at centre-back, where he could line up alongside Federico Fazio, who had a fantastic season with Roma in Italy.

The two central midfielders are likely to be veterans Javier Mascherano and Lucas Biglia, although many would rather see Sampaoli select 22-year-old Paris Saint-Germain star Giovani Lo Celso for his younger legs.

Argentina have always been spoilt for choice going forward, with big names such as Paulo Dybala and Sergio Aguero unlikely to be used in the manager's strongest side.

Angel Di Maria will presumably start on the left side of Sampaoli's attack, while West Ham United midfielder Manuel Lanzini could be used on the other side, although he is more comfortable playing down the middle. However, Messi is certain to start behind the striker.

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The 30-year-old FC Barcelona talisman will be allowed the freedom to roam into spaces, from where he will look to not only score goals, but create them too. Lastly, Gonzalo Higuain will be the favourite to start as Argentina's No.9.

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