The latest round of World Cup qualifying in South America kicks off with a high-stakes encounter between the top two teams in the continent. Neighbors Argentina and Uruguay occupy the top two spots in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying four games into the campaign, but the former sit atop the rankings after a perfect start. Reigning World Cup winners Argentina will stay there win, lose, or draw but with Lionel Messi expected to be fit, they are the favorites to take all three points in this one.
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Here's what to know before the game.
How to watch and odds
- Date: Thursday, Nov. 16 | Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: La Bombonera -- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- TV: Telemundo | Live stream: fubo (try for free)
- Odds: Argentina -167; Draw +300; Uruguay +550
Storylines
Argentina have had to perform with and without Messi during the early stages of the qualifying campaign and found a way to win each time. Having the Ballon d'Or winner around after recovering from a recent injury spell will be a plus, despite the fact that he has played just once in the last 25 days.
Messi is obviously the focal point of the team with three goals in two games, but he will be supported by a full-strength squad that is similarly expected to deliver, especially in attack. Nicolas Gonzalez and Enzo Fernandez each have a goal and assist in World Cup qualifying, while Angel Di Maria has two assists as he completes his final matches in an Argentina shirt. Di Maria will retire from the national team after next summer's Copa America.
Prediction
Argentina's offense is hard to beat, and a leaky Uruguay defense that has conceded five goals in four games could ensure we see just that on Thursday. Pick: Argentina 2, Uruguay 0