Don't let missing Messi put you off backing Argentina

International friendly
Midnight Friday evening

Argentina are without several key players, including Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain, for the first of two friendlies in five days against Mexico but they can demonstrate their squad depth by justifying odds-on favouritism at the Mario Kempes Stadium.

The World Cup was a massive disappointment for Argentina, who failed to get close to their potential.

After the tournament there was a change at the top with Jorge Sampaoli stepping down and his former assistant, Lionel Scaloni, taking over as caretaker-manager until the end of the year.

Scaloni has been looking at different players and his 27-man squad for the Mexico matches (they also lock horns in Mendoza on Tuesday night after this clash in Cordoba) includes 19 players capped fewer than ten times.

However, there is no shortage of quality in midfield and attack.

Betis's on loan Paris-St Germain midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, Watford wide man Roberto Pereyra and Tottenham attacking midfielder Erik Lamela have been rightly rewarded after performing consistently well and the possible front two of Mauro Icardi and Paulo Dybala oozes class.

Mexico are also without key players, including strikers Javier Hernandez and Hirving Lozano, but do not have the reserve players to compensate.

They have lost three of four friendlies since the World Cup and another defeat is on the cards.

Recommendations
Argentina -1 Asian handicap
1pt 23-18 188Bet

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