In the final round of Group C of the World Cup, Argentina still faces a life-and-death battle to qualify, and if the win is ironclad, the draw must be hoped that Mexico will not win more than two goals, and the loss will be out. Moreover, if they finish second in the group, they will most likely face defending champions France, so Argentina must try to win and finish first in the group.
According to Argentina's "Ole newspaper", coach Scaloni initially used the same starting lineup as in the 2-0 victory over Mexico in the pre-match preparation, but then Argentina made personnel changes that may make some changes to the main lineup.
"I can repeat the start of the previous round." Scaloni said at his pre-match press conference, but his move suggests it may not be the case. Dialoni said that Scaloni has doubts in 3 positions: Molina or Montiel for fullback, Lisandro Martinez or Christian Romero for centerback, Guido Rodríguez, Enzo Fernandez and Paredes in midfield?
Among them, the most doubtful is the midfield position, which is also the after-effect of Lo Celso's injury. No. 7 DePaul is in a solid position, but his partner could be substituted. Against Mexico, Rodriguez and McAllister started because the opponent's style was small. Now, Poland is an Eastern European team with more emphasis on physical confrontation, with Rodriguez likely to lose the starting spot, while Paredes or Enzo, who scored in the previous round, will compete for a spot.
Scaloni believes the two share the same characteristics, while Paris Saint-Germain's Paredes, having been in Europe longer, may get another chance to start. As for Argentina's striker, there is no suspense, with Messi, Lautaro Martinez and Di Maria still leading the trident.
The other two big questions for Argentina's starting 11 came up on the defensive line. Among them, the Pampas Eagles have not been fixed at right-back, Molina was unconvincing in the first game, but the same was true of Montiel in the second round. Therefore, the newspaper Ole predicted that this time it would be Molina's turn to play.
In the centre-back position, Benfica veteran Otamendi is sure to start, and his partner will still be produced between Manchester United signing Martinez and Tottenham's Romero. From the World Cup performance, Romero was replaced early after poor first-round performance, and Argentina did not concede a goal after Lima's appearance.
However, Poland's Eastern European team is characterized by their tall stature and toughness, which is not good news for the Manchester United iron defender, who is only 175cm tall. Lewandowski is 10cm taller than Martinez, and although the latter is extremely aggressive defensively, those with a height advantage naturally have an advantage if the opponents are equally capable. Therefore, the media predicted that Romero was expected to get another chance, and he took a full break against Mexico and is now full of physical strength. Interestingly, Romero and Martinez actually have a good relationship privately, they are friends and roommates.
However, one detail seemed to work in Lima's favor, as he attended Argentina's pre-match press conference, which, as is customary, is usually the treatment of starters. At the press conference, the Manchester United iron defender said: "We don't know the starters yet, Poland is a very difficult opponent, solid defensively, attacking with an important player like Lewandowski. However, we must have confidence in what we do."
Predicted Argentina vs Poland starters: Emiliano Martínez/Molina (or Montier), Otamendi, Romero (or Lima), Acuña/DePaul, Paredes (or Enzo), McAllister/Di Maria, Lautaro, Messi.