Prediction: Argentina vs Panama

Prediction: Argentina win

Best Odds: 1/125

Bookmaker: 888sport

Another international break is upon us as clubs from across the land stop their domestic competitions in the name of letting nations shine on the world stage. The majority of the games in question will be qualifiers for upcoming editions of tournaments, but in this instance, we’ll be taking a look at what should prove to be a great evening in Buenos Aires as Argentina play for the first time since their heroics in Qatar when they host Panama.

Argentina

For those of you who have been living under a rock, Argentina are world champions once again. They beat France in the greatest World Cup final of all time a few months back, with Lionel Messi finally getting the chance to lift the trophy that has always eluded him. Now, the big question is a simple one: where do they go from here? The first step towards answering that comes in their own backyard.

Team News

Garnacho and Gomez are set to miss out due to this one through injury with Carboni, Blanco, Buonanotte and Perrone all hoping to make their Argentina debut.

Panama

Panama’s golden era really came between 2011 and 2018. They reached the semi-finals of the Gold Cup twice, the final once, played in the Copa America, and qualified for the World Cup for the very first time. Things haven’t been quite as simple in the last couple of years but at the very least, they have far more of an identity at the international level than they once did – and they’ll be hungry to prove that.

Team News

The underdogs are expected to approach this one with a back five in order to try and thwart the favourites with Camargo serving as the dressing room leader here.

Factors to Consider

• Argentina have won both of their games against Panama (3-1 in 2009, and 5-0 in 2016).
• Argentina have won four and drawn two of their last six games.
• Panama have won one, drawn four and lost one of their last six games.
• Argentina have scored 14 goals and conceded six in their last six games.
• Panama have scored seven goals and conceded 10 in their last six games.

Conclusion

This is going to be an incredibly special night for the Argentines and although we do think there’s a chance they could take their foot off of the gas, there’s an even better chance they will blow Panama away. It’s the kind of homecoming that most national teams dream of after such a big triumph and because of that, we’re going to say that they’ll come away with a 3-1 or 4-1 victory.

Prediction: Argentina win

Best Odds: 1/125

Bookmaker: 888sport