Argentina vs Bolivia Preview & Prediction | 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (CONMEBOL)
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Argentina face a rejuvenated Bolivia side in Buenos Aires, as they look to take one step closer to the 2026 World Cup.
KICK-OFF DATE/TIME: Wednesday 16th October, 2024: UK – 1:00am / US ET – 8:00pm (Tuesday) / US PT – 5:00pm (Tuesday)
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – Not televised
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK – Premier Player / US – Fanatiz
ARGENTINA PREVIEW: EASING OFF
After doing much of the hard work in the early part of the qualifying campaign, Argentina appear to have dropped off a little in terms of intensity with last month's defeat to Colombia followed up with a rather dour 1-1 draw away at Venezuela last week.
However, this fixture sees them return to home turf, where the world champions and back-to-back Copa America winners have lost just one CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier in the last eight years.
BOLIVIA PREVIEW: A TEAM REBORN
Oscar Villegas has inspired a huge upturn in Bolivia's fortunes since taking the reigns in July, overseeing three consecutive wins in qualifying including last week's phenomenal victory over high-flying Colombia, despite the fact they had to play with ten men for the majority of the contest.
Perhaps even more impressive was their away victory at Chile last month, which brought to an end their 31-year wait for an away win in World Cup qualifying.
ARGENTINA TEAM NEWS: EMI MARTINEZ STILL BANNED BUT ROMERO BACK
Cristian Romero is likely to slot straight into central defence after suspension kept him out last week, with German Pezzella looking the likeliest to make way in central defence.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is still banned though, while namesake Lautaro will be hoping for a start up front after being restricted to a cameo last week.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-1-2): Rulli; Molina, Otamendi, Romero, Tagliafico; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi; Lautaro Martinez, Alvarez
UNAVAILABLE: Martinez (Suspended)
QUESTIONABLE:
BOLIVIA TEAM NEWS: VILLAMIL TO REPLACE SUSPENDED CUELLAR?
Following his red card against Colombia, Hector Cuellar will sit this one out through suspension. With fellow midfielder Ervan Vaca having pulled out of the squad through injury, Villegas could turn to Gabriel Villamil, who filled in admirably after Cuellar's dismissal.
Guillermo Viscarra will once again deputised for the injured Carlos Lampe in goal.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Viscarra; Medina, Haquin, Suarez, Sagredo; Matheus, Villamil, Vaca; Terceros, Algaranaz, Chura
UNAVAILABLE: Lampe (Injured), Vaca (Injured), Rocha (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
KEY STATS
- Argentina have won eight of their last nine international matches against Bolivia (L1).
- Argentina have won ten and drawn one of their previous 11 World Cup qualifying matches at home against Bolivia.
- Argentina have lost only two of their last 30 World Cup qualifying matches (W18 D10).
- Argentina have lost only one of their last 17 World Cup qualifying matches at home (W11 D5).
- Argentina have kept nine clean sheets in their last ten World Cup qualifying matches at home.
- Bolivia have won three successive World Cup qualifying matches for the first time since 1993 when they went on to win five in a row.
ARGENTINA VS BOLIVIA PREDICTION
The past month-and-a-half has surely been Bolivia's greatest period in international football for many a year, and the only way it can get even better is if they can pull of another mighty shock against the reigning world champions. The hosts' three successive wins has put them well in the mix when it comes to qualifying but, despite last month's historic win at Chile, the fact remains that they historically do not fare well on their travels.
Argentina may have dipped a little recently, but head coach Lionel Scaloni will be urging his players not to let complacency slip into their game given that they are on the verge of confirming their World Cup spot. Expect the visitors to come out strongly here and wrap this game up early.
ARGENTINA VS BOLIVIA TIP: DOUBLE RESULT – ARGENTINA / ARGENTINA
