Argentina v Colombia: Copa America betting preview, tip & TV details

TV: Premier 1, 11pm Saturday

Argentina set the tone for a disappointing 2018 World Cup campaign by drawing 1-1 with Iceland in their first match and they may struggle to justify favouritism in their Copa America opener against Colombia in Salvador.

The markets are not fully convinced by Argentina, who are odds-against to start with a victory, and with good reason.

For several years they have flattered to deceive as successive managers have struggled to find the right blend from a squad packed with attacking talent but lacking quality in other areas.

Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero are rightly bracketed among the most talented forwards in the world but they often struggle to replicate their club performances at major international tournaments.

The duo's overall statistics are decent enough with Messi bagging 67 international goals in 130 games and Aguero pitching in with 39 in 90.

But neither was a massive influence at last summer's World Cup, when Messi netted once and Aguero twice.

Jorge Sampaoli, Argentina's manager last summer, had doubts about the merits of playing Aguero and Messi together.

His successor Lionel Scaloni has taken a different view, starting both in last Friday's 5-1 success over Nicaragua, but far tougher tests are coming up.

Qualifying from Group B, which also features Paraguay and Qatar, should be simple enough but the clash with Colombia looks pivotal to deciding first place.

Colombia lost a penalty shootout to England at last summer's World Cup and they might have gone further had star man James Rodriguez been fit enough to play a more prominent role.

James has failed to hit the heights often enough during a two-season loan at Bayern Munich but is a big player for Colombia and top-scored for them in 2018 World Cup qualifying with six goals.

Veteran striker Radamel Falcao is still in the picture and looking to add to his 33 international goals and Colombia look powerful at the back with Everton powerhouse defender Yerry Mina linking up with Tottenham's Davinson Sanchez.

In terms of quality they look a team just below the heavyweight nations, but if they perform to their maximum it would not be a surprise to see them go to the final.

Winning Group B would help because it would almost certainly put them in the opposite half of the knockout stage draw to Brazil.

There is plenty of stake in Salvador and both teams may be happy enough to take a point and move on.

Recommendation
Draw
1pt 21-10 general

Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com

Team news
Argentina
Midfielder Exequiel Palacios withdrew with an injury and has been replaced by Guido Pizarro.

Colombia
Stefan Medina was called up to the squad late to fill the gap left by injured right-back Luis Manuel Orejuela.

Key stat
Argentina have won just two of their last nine competitive games.

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