Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli is reportedly thinking of changing the line-up against Croatia and if reports from TyC Sports are to be believed, Cristian Pavon would replace Angel Di Maria in the starting lineup.
Argentina struggled immensely to break down a resolute Iceland defense in their opening game and Angel Di Maria’s contribution was disappointing throughout the game. Starting wide on the left side of the Argentina attack, Di Maria provided little in one-on-one situations. Argentina showed more potential once Pavon was introduced in the second half.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. In the 3-4-3 setup, Eduardo Salvio and Marcos Acuna will be the wide players in midfield, acting as potential wingbacks. Coach Jorge Sampaoli tried several systems in training yesterday and there were variants of three-at-the-back systems that were used.
Gabriel Mercado will slot in as a right sided centreback in the three-man defensive line. TyC reported that among the players that Sampaoli tried in training, Marcos Rojo, Lucas Biglia, Maximiliano Meza and Angel Di Maria could miss out as starters.
Mercado hinted that change could be in order after most of the stars failed to ignite in the Iceland match.
“We have to look at what we need to correct from the Iceland match, but we can’t dwell on it,” Argentina defender Gabriel Mercado said. “We have to look forward and win the next match against Croatia.”
Pavon also reiterated that Sampaoli, who has not used the same line-up twice in the 12 games he’s been in charge for Argentina, will be looking at every option before the match.
“I think that Jorge is looking at every position. We’ll see what happens and what he decides on the day,” Pavon said. “I feel confident and luckily things are going well for me, but I don’t know yet if I’ll be a starter.”
Probable lineup: Caballero; Mercado, Otamendi, Tagliafico; Salvio, Mascherano, Meza or perez, Acuna; Messi, Pavon, Aguero
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