Preview: Germany vs. Argentina

Just a matter of weeks after they contested the World Cup final in Rio de Janeiro, Germany and Argentina will meet again on Wednesday evening in Dusseldorf.

The Germans won the big prize back in July courtesy of an extra-time winner from substitute Mario Gotze.

Despite the fact that this clash is a friendly, both managers are expected to name strong starting lineups, with the likes of Toni Kroos, Thomas Muller and Mats Hummels all likely to start for the Germans.

However, the world champions will have to make do without the services of the versatile Philipp Lahm, who retired from international football following their success in Brazil.

As for the visiting Argentines, the match will mark Gerardo Martino's first at the helm. Lionel Messi was named in the squad, but he recently picked up a hamstring injury while on club duty with Barcelona, which could prevent him from featuring.

These two nations have met on 21 previous occasions, with Argentina leading the head to head record 9-8.

Recent form

Germany: DWWWWW

Argentina: WWWWDL

Possible starting lineups

Germany: Neuer; Howedes, Hummels, Boateng, Durm; Khedira, Kroos, Ozil, Reus, Gotze; Muller

Argentina: Romero; Garay, Demichelis, Fernandez; Zabaleta, Campagnaro; Mascherano, Perez, Di Maria; Higuain, Aguero

Sports Mole says: 1-1