Both managers have decisions to make in attack, as Argentina and Croatia meet in the World Cup 2022 semi-finals on Tuesday.
Lautaro Martinez started the tournament in poor form and lost his place, but netted the winning penalty as the Albiceleste beat Netherlands in the last round. Lionel Scaloni could opt to revert to 4-3-3, opening up an extra attacking spot in the side, with Papu Gomez far from convincing so far when he started.
Meanwhile Croatia’s roulette of who to start at No9 continues; four players have had a go so far and none have been entirely positive, with the emphasis on work rate and hold up play rather than relentless scoring from whoever starts – but Bruno Petkovic netted off the bench against Brazil to force penalties.
Both these teams have iconic No10s, in Lionel Messi and Luka Modric, but the biggest calls might be who joins them in attacking areas of the pitch from the start. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the last-four encounter.
When is the match?
The first semi-final of the 2022 World Cup sees Argentina face Croatia with a 7pm kick-off on Tuesday 13 December. The winners face either France or Morocco in the final.
Where can I watch?
This game will be broadcast live on ITV 1 and STV, while it can also be streamed on ITV X and the STV Player.
What is the team news?
Argentina will have at least one change to their starting XI, as Marcos Acuna is suspended. Nicolas Tagliafico will therefore come in at left-back. On the other side of defence Gonzalo Montiel is also suspended, though he’s behind Nahuel Molina now in any case. Lionel Scaloni went for a three-man back line against Netherlands but could revert to 4-3-3 here, which means either Angel Di Maria or Lautaro Martinez might be considered for a recall.
Croatia will keep it as settled as possible, with only Josip Stanic a doubt, though he hasn’t been a starter anyway. The big decision once more for Zlatko Dalic will be who to start as the third attacker, along with Ivan Perisic and Andrej Kramaric. Bruno Petkovic through the middle or Mario Pasalic on the right are the most likely options.
Predicted line-ups
Argentina XI: E Martinez, Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; E Fernandez, De Paul, Paredes, Mac Allister; Messi, Alvarez
Croatia XI: Livakovic, Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa, Brozovic, Modric, Kovacic, Pasalic, Kramaric, Perisic
Odds
Argentina 16/19
Draw 27/11
Croatia 22/5
Prediction
Argentina to have the cutting edge and mental resilience where Brazil failed in the last round. Argentina 2-1 Croatia.