Argentina and Uruguay square off in Copa America action on Saturday, in a clash between the two favourites to qualify out of group B.

Argentina kicked off their campaign with a slightly disappointing 1-1 draw with Chile, while their opponents are yet to play, and will look to begin with what would be a huge win.

Match preview

© Reuters

Argentina came away from their clash with Chile slightly disappointed, having been held to a draw in the opening game.

Lionel Messi put his side ahead with an eye-catching free kick after 33 minutes, but La Albiceleste squandered several chances to double their lead, and they would go on to rue those missed chances when Chile drew level on the hour mark.

Emiliano Martinez went the right way and saved Arturo Vidal's penalty, but he was powerless to stop Eduardo Vargas from pouncing on the rebound to earn a point for his side.

That was their third straight game without a win in all competitions, having drawn 2-2 with Colombia and played out another 1-1 draw with Chile in World Cup Qualifiers earlier in June.

Coming in as one of the favourites for the title, La Albiceleste will be desperate to record a win to boost their chances of qualifying in one of the top few spots, as they look to improve on their recent continental performances, having lost in the final in four of the last six Copa Americas while failing to lift the trophy since 1993.

They take on a Uruguay side who will aim to start their bid for the title with an impressive victory.

© Reuters

They come into this game on the back of consecutive goalless draws in World Cup Qualifying games at the beginning of June.

Oscar Tabarez's side were first unable to get past Paraguay, before they were held to another disappointing result by Venezuela.

That saw them remain in fourth spot in the qualifying group, failing to capitalise on third-placed Ecuador's back-to-back losses.

For now, La Celeste will firmly focus their attention on the Copa America, as they look to lift the continental trophy for the 16th time, having not triumphed since 2011.

Team News

© Reuters

Argentina will be led by talisman Lionel Messi, who scored his 73rd senior international goal to put his nation ahead with that pinpoint free kick on Monday.

He was joined by Lautaro Martinez and Nicolas Gonzalez in the front three in that opening game, although they are not short of options should manager Lionel Scaloni opt to shuffle his pack.

Messi's new Barcelona teammate Sergio Aguero will hope for a starting spot, and he could come in for Gonzalez, who squandered several notable opportunities to put his side out of sight against Chile, with Lautaro Martinez potentially moving across to the left-hand side to accommodate the 33-year-old.

Scaloni has much less reason to change his midfield though, with Giovani Lo Celso, Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes showing themselves to be an impressive unit.

After serving an international suspension in the recent World Cup Qualifiers, experienced striker Edinson Cavani should return to the Uruguay starting XI to reform a potent front line alongside Luis Suarez.

Suarez will line up against his former Barcelona teammate Messi, having recently fired Atletico Madrid to the title ahead of his old side with 21 La Liga goals.

At the other end of the pitch, Jose Gimenez and captain Diego Godin should continue to partner up at the heart of the defence, having made 203 combined international appearances, with Godin's 141 caps a Uruguayan record.

Argentina possible starting lineup:
E Martinez; Montiel, Martinez Quarta, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes, Lo Celso; Messi, Aguero, L Martinez

Uruguay possible starting lineup:
Muslera; Gonzalez, Gimenez, Godin, Caceres; Torres, Torreira, Valverde, Rodriguez; Suarez, Cavani

We say: Argentina 1-1 Uruguay

As both sides go into their toughest game of the group stage on Saturday, we cannot quite split them.

Neither will look to risk losing, likely making this a cagey affair as they each look to come away with a result and defeat the weaker sides in the group to book their spot in the final eight.

Written by
Sam Varley

Previews by email