Copa America
Jun 18, 2021 10.00pm
1
0
HT : 1 0
FT
  • Ben Brereton 10' goal
  • Guillermo Maripan 81' yellowcard
  • yellowcard Ramiro Vaca 53'
  • yellowcard Diego Bejarano 87'

How Chile could line up against Bolivia

How Chile could line up against Bolivia

Chile will come into Friday's Copa America clash against Bolivia without key man Alexis Sanchez, who will likely miss the whole group stage with a foot injury picked up in training.

That is certainly a big loss for manager Martin Lasarte, given Sanchez leads Chile's all-time scoring charts with 46 international goals in 138 games.

However, the rest of their side is largely the same as it has been for the last few international tournaments, with Lasarte sticking with the experienced spine of goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, centre-back Gary Medel, midfielder Arturo Vidal and forward Eduardo Vargas, each of which have made over 95 appearances for their nation.

It was Medel's centre-back partner Guillermo Maripan that shone in their opening draw with Argentina, as he was a rock at the back, rarely affording any opportunities to a dangerous attacking line.

In front of Maripan and Medel, Inter Milan midfielder Vidal will line up alongside Fiorentina's Erick Pulgar and Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Charles Aranguiz, who will earn his 84th cap on Friday.

Vargas will once again lead the line in Sanchez's absence, having netted the goal to earn his nation a point last time out, as he pounced on the rebound to find the net after Emiliano Martinez had saved Vidal's penalty.

He should again be supported by the wide threat of wingers Jean Meneses and 20-year-old Carlos Palacios, with the pair offering plenty of quality going forward.

Chile possible starting lineup: Bravo; Isla, Medel, Maripan, Mena; Vidal, Pulgar, Aranguiz; Palacios, Vargas, Meneses

> Click here to see how Bolivia could line up for this clash

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POLL
Who will win Friday's Copa America clash between Chile and Bolivia?
Chile 82%
Draw 8%
Bolivia 11%
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