Argentina vs Guatemala Predictions for this international clash. Argentina conclude Copa America preparations with a friendly against Guatemala at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, on Friday night. Read on for our free predictions and betting tips.
Friendlies | Jun 15, 2024 at 1am UK at FedEx Field
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Argentina vs Guatemala Predictions
Argentina Set for Copa America Tune-Up Against Resilient Guatemala
Key Stats
– Argentina have kept clean sheets in five of their last six matches.
– Guatemala have not beaten Argentina in their previous three encounters.
– Lionel Messi has been involved in three of Argentina’s last five goals.
Argentina will wrap up their preparations for the upcoming Copa America with a friendly against Guatemala at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. This match, which takes place on Friday night, is crucial for both teams as they fine-tune their strategies ahead of more competitive fixtures.
Recent Form and Team Analysis
Argentina: Argentina enters this fixture on the back of a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ecuador, with Angel Di Maria netting the decisive goal. This result extends their winning streak in friendlies to eleven matches, showcasing their consistency and dominance in non-competitive fixtures. Argentina’s recent form is impressive, with four straight wins, including a crucial 1-0 victory over Brazil in their last World Cup qualifier in November 2023.
Lionel Scaloni’s squad boasts an array of talent, headlined by Lionel Messi. They have demonstrated solid defensive capabilities, keeping five clean sheets in their last six matches and conceding only two goals in the process. Offensively, they average 1.3 goals per game, with contributions coming from various players. Their passing game is another strength, maintaining an average possession of 64.2% and an impressive 87.2% pass accuracy.
Guatemala: Guatemala, meanwhile, are in high spirits following a 3-0 triumph over the British Virgin Islands in a World Cup qualifier. They come into this match on a four-game unbeaten streak, which includes comprehensive wins against Dominica and the British Virgin Islands. Despite these positive results, the challenge of facing Argentina is significantly steeper.
Luis Fernando Tena’s side has shown resilience in recent friendlies, drawing with Venezuela and Nicaragua. However, their performance against stronger teams has been less convincing. They have struggled defensively, conceding an average of 0.8 goals per game while only scoring at the same rate. Their passing accuracy stands at 78.7%, which is respectable but not at the level needed to compete with top-tier teams like Argentina.
Expected Lineups and Tactical Approaches
Argentina Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez
- Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Marcos Acuna
- Midfielders: Enzo Fernandez, Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul
- Forwards: Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Angel Di Maria
Argentina’s lineup is expected to feature a strong starting XI as they finalise their preparations. Messi, likely to start, will play a pivotal role in attack alongside Lautaro Martinez and Di Maria. The midfield trio of Fernandez, Paredes, and De Paul will aim to control the game’s tempo, while the defence led by Romero and Lisandro Martinez will look to maintain their solid record.
Guatemala Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Nicholas Hagen
- Defenders: Oscar Morales, Jose Pinto, Nicholas Samayoa, Jose Ardon
- Midfielders: Oscar Castellanos, Jorge Aparicio
- Forwards: Oscar Santis, Jose Galindo, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing; Rubio Rubin
Guatemala will likely field the same team that performed well against the British Virgin Islands. Mendez-Laing and Rubin will be key players in their attacking setup, while Castellanos and Aparicio will provide defensive cover in midfield. Hagen, a reliable presence in goal, will be critical in managing Argentina’s potent attack.
Key Battles and Areas to Watch
The midfield battle will be crucial, particularly the duel between Argentina’s De Paul and Guatemala’s Castellanos. De Paul’s ability to drive forward and distribute the ball effectively will be instrumental in Argentina’s attacking play. On the wings, the matchup between Di Maria and Guatemala’s full-backs will also be significant. Di Maria’s pace and skill can create numerous scoring opportunities for Argentina.
Another key duel will be between Messi and Guatemala’s central defenders. Messi’s vision and creativity can dismantle defences, and how well Guatemala can contain him will determine their chances of keeping the scoreline respectable.
Gameplay and Tactical Predictions
Argentina are expected to dominate possession, leveraging their superior technical skills and tactical acumen. They will likely adopt a high pressing game, aiming to win the ball high up the pitch and transition quickly into attack. With Messi orchestrating play, Argentina’s forwards will seek to exploit any defensive lapses from Guatemala.
Guatemala, on the other hand, will probably employ a more defensive approach, focusing on counter-attacks. They will need to stay compact and organised defensively, aiming to disrupt Argentina’s rhythm and hit them on the break whenever possible. Rubin’s role as a target man will be vital in holding up the ball and bringing others into play.
Strengths, Weaknesses, and Criticisms
Argentina: Strengths: Argentina’s strengths lie in their star-studded lineup, cohesive team play, and robust defensive record. Their ability to maintain high possession and accurate passing sets them apart. Weaknesses: At times, Argentina have shown a reliance on individual brilliance, particularly from Messi, which can be a drawback if he is well-contained. Managerial Critique: Lionel Scaloni has been successful, but he needs to ensure the team remains focused and does not become over-reliant on key players like Messi.
Guatemala: Strengths: Guatemala’s recent unbeaten run showcases their resilience and ability to grind out results. They have a hardworking midfield and a reliable goalkeeper in Hagen. Weaknesses: Their defensive frailties against stronger opposition are evident, and their goal-scoring record is relatively weak. Managerial Critique: Luis Fernando Tena has done well with limited resources, but his tactical setup needs to be more adaptive against top-tier teams.
Betting Angles and Predictions
Best Bet: Argentina to Win to Nil Given Argentina’s defensive solidity and Guatemala’s struggle to score against stronger teams, betting on an Argentina to win to nilt. Argentina’s controlled approach and Guatemala’s defensive setup support this prediction.
Correct Score Prediction: Argentina 2-0 Guatemala With Argentina’s propensity to keep clean sheets and Guatemala’s limited attacking threat, a 2-0 victory for Argentina aligns well with the expected dynamics of the match. This scoreline reflects Argentina’s dominance while acknowledging Guatemala’s defensive efforts.
Goalscorer Prediction: Lionel Messi Messi, Argentina’s talisman, is likely to find the net in this match. His recent form and ability to create and convert chances make him a prime candidate to score.
First Half Result: Argentina Leading at Half-Time Argentina’s strategy of high pressing and quick transitions suggests they will aim to establish control early. Expect Argentina to be leading by the break as they look to set the tone for the match.
Innovative Market Prediction: Total Corners Over 8.5 Argentina’s attacking style is likely to result in multiple corners. Combined with Guatemala’s defensive approach, which may concede corners under pressure, betting on over 8.5 corners in total is a viable market.
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