Argentina-Iran Preview: Messi & Co looking to rack up big win

Alejandro Sabella. Photo: Getty Images

Argentina are set for a return to their habitual 4-3-3 formation in their Group F clash against Iran on Saturday.

Coach Alejandro Sabella surprisingly started with a 5-3-2 system in his side’s opener versus Bosnia-Herzegovina last Sunday, but switched back to the team’s favoured formation after the interval, Ben Hayward writes in goal.com.

Captain Lionel Messi, who scored a wonder goal to seal a 2-1 victory for the Albiceleste, claimed on Monday he feels “more comfortable” in a 4-3-3, while defender Pablo Zabaleta also revealed he prefers the system.

Gonzalo Higuain is set to start for Argentina after beginning on the bench on Sunday, while Angel Di Maria has shaken off muscle fatigue and been declared fully fit for the game in Belo Horizonte.

Argentina are based just outside the capital of Minas Gerais and will travel the short distance into town to the Estadio Mineirao for their second group game. Inter striker Rodrigo Palacio, who missed the opener with an ankle problem, has trained normally this week and could play a part from the bench.

A win for Argentina will see Sabella’s side qualify for the last 16 ahead of their final group game against Nigeria in Porto Alegre next Wednesday.

Carlos Queiroz. Photo: Getty Images

Iran drew with Nigeria on Monday in the competition’s first goalless game.

Coach Carlos Queiroz, who will be leaving his post after the World Cup, dismissed criticism aimed at his side after that match and called for his players’ achievements to be put into perspective.

Queiroz claimed people in Iran would be proud of the result and reminded reporters that his players turn out in an amateur league, not the top teams in Europe or South America.

Left-back Hashem Beikzadeh is available again for the Asian side after missing the opener against Nigeria with an injury sustained in a warm-up game prior to the competition.