Verdict: Argentina win to nil
Best Odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: Luckster
Looking to book their spot in the final of this summer’s Copa America with a statement in the early hours of Wednesday, Argentina will meet Canada at the MetLife Stadium.
Argentina
Starting with Argentina, avoiding what was a potential Copa America banana skin last week as they eventually secured a nail-biting penalties victory against Ecuador, La Albiceleste are in the midst of an iconic run. Making real history out in Qatar 18 months ago as they were crowned world champions for the first time since 1986, Lionel Scaloni’s men have only continued to gain a fearsome reputation from across the globe. Pencilled in as the standout title contender this summer and with the mood in their camp at a red-hot high, the South American heavyweights have now won 23 of their previous 24 appearances across all competitions. Opening their Copa America adventure with a routine 2-0 win against Canada on June 21st, few will be surprised that Argentina are billed as a landslide contender at the MetLife Stadium in midweek.
Team News
While eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi might have missed his spot kick against Ecuador last week, the 37-year-old will lead out Argentina at the MetLife Stadium and earn a 186th international cap. Enjoying a real Copa America romp this summer and notching four goals in as many appearances, Inter Milan talisman Lautaro Martinez will partner Messi in the final third.
Handed a full recall against Ecuador and getting on the scoresheet, Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez will once again partner Tottenham star Cristian Romero. While Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez might have opened his Copa America account against Canada on June 21st, the 24-year-old could be forced to settle for a spot on the bench.
Canada
As for Canada, also securing their semi-final spot thanks to a nervy penalties victory against Venezuela last week, Les Rouges have continued to make real history this summer. However, mustering just a single victory from any of their three Group A appearances last week, Jesse Marsch’s men have struggled to find any real stability over recent times. Winning just one of their previous six matchups across all competitions within 90 minutes, the former Leeds United boss couldn’t have asked for a tougher challenge in the early hours of Wednesday. Notching just a pair of goals in those six consecutive appearances, Canada will also be concerned by their most recent showdown against the raging world champions. Opening their Copa America campaign with that routine 2-0 defeat on June 21st, Marsch’s side will simply be looking to offer a better account of themselves.
Team News
Picking up what was a costly booking against Venezuela last week, Malmo defender Derek Cornelius will miss out at the MetLife Stadium as the 26-year-old serves a one-match suspension. However, in what could prove to be a much-welcomed boost for Canada in the early hours of Thursday, Les Rouges are hopeful that Inter Milan’s Tajon Buchanan could play some part here.
With continued speculation around a blockbuster move to Spanish icons Real Madrid, Bayern Munich ace Alphonso Davies will lead out Marsch’s squad and earn a 52nd international cap. Likewise, links with a potential Premier League switch this summer, Lille marksmen Jonathan David will play a leading role in midweek.
Key Factors to Consider
- When Argentina and Canada met in Group A action back on June 21st, the reigning world champions collected a 2-0 victory in Atlanta.
- Continuing on from their World Cup success out in Qatar 18 months ago, Argentina have won 23 of their previous 24 appearances across all competitions.
- Canada have recorded just a single victory within 90 minutes from any of their previous six appearances across all competitions.
- Likewise, Les Rouges have recorded just a pair of goals in those six consecutive appearances.
- Five of Argentina’s last six matchups across all formats have finished with under 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
Opening their Copa America adventure with a 2-0 victory against Canada on June 21st, it won’t be a surprise to many that Argentina are pencilled in as a landslide contender here. Winning all of their three Group A appearances by an aggregate score of 5-0, the reigning world champions have only continued on a real fairytale since their iconic success out in Qatar 18 months ago. While Canada might have edged past Venezuela last week, Les Rouges couldn’t have asked for a tougher challenge in the early hours of Wednesday.
Verdict: Argentina win to nil
Best Odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: Luckster
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