Argentina vs Canada Preview & Prediction | 2024 Copa America | Group Stage
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Defending Copa America champions, and world champions, Argentina kick off the 2024 Copa America tournament by facing Canada at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
KICK-OFF DATE/TIME: Friday 21st June, 2024 - UK – 1:00am & Thursday 20th June, 2024 - US EST – 8:00pm / US PST – 6:00pm
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – Fox Sports & TUDN
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK – Premier Sports / US – UniMas, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, ViX
ARGENTINA PREVIEW: ALL-CONQUERING ARGENTINIANS
The world champions are also the South American champions after winning the most recent CONMEBOL Copa America in Brazil back in 2021. The three-time world champions have found the right balance to allow arguably the greatest footballer of all time, Lionel Messi, to finally thrive to his fullest on the international stage.
They head into this edition of the Copa America once again as one of, if not the, favourites for the trophy with excellent options throughout their squad. Lionel Scaloni’s side come into this one on the back of coming from behind to hammer Guatemala by four goals to one and that means they have now enjoyed five successive victories.
CANADA PREVIEW: THE JESSE MARSCH ERA
A couple of months ago, former Red Bull Salzburg and Leeds United coach Jesse Marsch was appointed as the eventual successor to Englishman John Herdman in charge of the Canadian national side. Marsch will seek to play a front foot and aggressive pressing style of football with the Canadians, as is his tactical wont.
They come into this on the back of a trip to Europe where they were hammered 4-0 in Amsterdam by the Netherlands before then sharing a goalless draw with France in Paris. They have managed just two victories in their last 11 matches since defeating Panama in last year’s CONCACAF Nations League semi-final.
ARGENTINA TEAM NEWS: THE BALANCE IN MIDFIELD
The biggest talking points for the Argentinians ahead of their opening game against Canada would be in midfield. Both Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister are expected to start with Leandro Paredes getting the nod ahead of Exequiel Palacios, Enzo Fernandez and Guido Rodriguez.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuna; Mac Allister, Paredes, De Paul; Messi, Gonzalez, Alvarez
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
CANADA TEAM NEWS: EUSTAQUIO THE SKIPPER
Alphonso Davies is back in the Canada squad and will lead most of their attacking play from the left-back position, aiming to support the strike duo of Cyle Larin and Jonathan David. Former Porto midfielder Stephen Eustaquio is their new captain.
PREDICTED XI (4-4-2): Crepeau; Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Buchanan, Eustaquio, Kone, Millar; David, Larin
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
ARGENTINA VS CANADA PREDICTION
This has the potential to be quite a one-sided tournament opener. The Argentines suffered from a shock opener conceded to Guatemala the other day in their final warm-up friendly but comfortably overcame them in the end and they should be ready and raring to go to emulate Spain of 2008-2012 by winning two continental competitions and sandwiching FIFA World Cup glory. Canada will likely be wide open with Marsch and Argentina, with cunning and quality, should exploit that.
ARGENTINA VS CANADA TIP: ARGENTINA TO WIN -2 HANDICAP
