Lionel Scaloni may be forced to rotate as Argentina face Switzerland in the World Cup quarter-finals in the small hours of Sunday morning.
Argentina have twice brushed with elimination in the knockout stages of this tournament, being forced into extra time by Cape Verde and overturning a two-goal deficit to beat Egypt in the last-16.
There were plenty of heavy legs and tired faces at the full-time whistle against Egypt, where Argentina were run ragged before Enzo Fernandez’s 93rd-minute winner capped a remarkable late comeback.
As such, Scaloni may be pushed to rotate with an eye to keeping his side fresh ahead of a potential semi-final - but can he afford to?
The question marks will centre primarily around the 39-year-old Lionel Messi, who is generally undroppable but for much of Egypt match was all too peripheral as he reached 410 minutes played at this tournament alone.
He did, however, assist Cristian Romero in the 79th minute before equalising himself in the 83rd, underscoring the critical role he plays in this team, even when leggy.
As such, we expect him to keep his place on the right-hand side of Scaloni’s attack here, with Lautaro Martinez coming in for Julian Alvarez after his underwhelming showing in his first start of the summer against the Pharaohs.
Enzo Fernandez is another who appeared drained by full-time of the Egypt match, but as a mainstay of the Argentina setup should continue as the No10, with Alexis Mac Allister in behind. Leandro Paredes and Rodrigo De Paul should complete the midfield setup.
Cristian Romero was sent for scans after the Egypt game with a worrisome calf niggle, but he has been passed fit and is expected to start again here, with the diminutive Lisandro Martinez his partner in the centre of defence.
Predicted Argentina XI vs Switzerland: E. Martinez; Tagliafico, L. Martinez, Romero, Molina, Paredes, De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez, Messi, Lautaro Martinez
How to watch: ITVBody*
Time and date: 2am BST on Sunday, July 12
Venue: Kansas City Stadium
