Argentina vs Chile
Argentina and Chile are set to lock horns once more one week after their World Cup 2022 qualifiers match to kick off the 2021 Copa America in Rio de Janeiro.
This match between La Albiceleste and La Roja is one of the most-awaited games in Group B and this is sure to give football fans their fair share of Copa America 2021 highlights.
Both countries have been underwhelming in these past few weeks, so starting their campaign on a strong note is a must for these two bitter rivals.
In our preview of the tournament, SBOTOP views Lionel Scaloni’s men as one of the favourites alongside Brazil while Martin Lasarte’s side is capable of pulling off an upset on any given day.
The pressure is on for Lionel Messi to lead La Albiceleste to get his first major international trophy. The Barcelona talisman has been long criticised for his lack of international success and this is his chance to prove doubters wrong.
Talking Points
Notable omissions for Argentina
Most football fans were left surprised when they didn’t see the names of Lucas Ocampos and Juan Foyth in Argentina’s lineup for the Copa America.
The aforementioned La Liga standouts were featured in the starting lineup just one week prior versus Chile in the World Cup qualifying, and perhaps their poor performances in that game led to Lionel Scaloni making the tough decision.
Juan Foyth’s lapse in concentration led to Alexis Sanchez’s equaliser since he wasn’t able to clear the ball away from Gary Medel.
On the other hand, Lucas Ocampos was criticised after a lacklustre performance. Overall, he has declined at club level this term after a solid campaign back in 2019/20 to where he recorded 14 goals and three assists for Sevilla.
Bayer Leverkusen striker Lucas Alario is rumoured to take Lucas Ocampos’ place and Juan Foyth’s omission should open more opportunities for Cristian Romero, who is rumoured to be targeted by Manchester United in transfer talks.
The big question mark for Lucas Alario is whether he’ll be fit to play soon since he’s nursing a right leg injury. If the 28-year-old couldn’t make it, Argentina will give the final roster spot to River Plate winger Julian Alvarez.
Arturo Vidal is questionable for Chile
Chile’s depth is going to be tested since one of their veterans might not get to play this weekend.
Arturo Vidal was admitted to the hospital last week after contracting COVID-19, and he is not expected to suit up in Chile’s first few games in the Copa America.
The Inter Milan midfielder’s experience will be sorely missed since he has 119 caps under his belt. However, his absence should open opportunities for his younger teammates.
Charles Aranguiz is sure to be included in the starting lineup and he’ll be backstopped by Erick Pulgar, who scored the only goal for Chile in their World Cup qualifiers draw against Bolivia.
Erick Pulgar will definitely come in handy for Martin Lasarte’s tactics as the Fiorentina stalwart operates well at central midfield and he’s an aerial threat in set-pieces.
History
Argentina hold the clear advantage in their overall head-to-heads against Chile.
In their 93 games against each other, La Albiceleste have won 61 times while La Roja have won eight times along with 24 draws.
Last week, La Albiceleste were tipped to win prior to the said World Cup qualifiers match but La Roja shocked everyone by holding them to a 1-1 draw.
Lionel Messi scored via a penalty early in the first half, but it was nullified 15 minutes later by a sliding shot from Alexis Sanchez off of a spot-kick.
But Argentina remain the team to beat given that they are still undefeated in 13 straight games since their 2019 Copa America semis against Brazil.
Betting Tip
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Argentina vs Chile | Argentina Asian Handicap -0.50 @ 1.74 |
| June 15, 5:00(GMT+8) |
The Copa America 2021 odds are favouring Argentina to kick off their campaign with a victory.
Argentina are pegged at 1.74 to win, whereas Chile are priced lower at 4.70 and chances for a draw are at 3.40 in the 1X2 market.
After last week’s underwhelming draw, Argentina should make key adjustments in order to take home the three points this time around.
Chile must be feeling confident after their encounter last week. But after seeing them being held by a lesser team in Bolivia last Wednesday, I don’t see La Roja outdoing or repeating the same result against La Albiceleste.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
| = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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