The latest installment in what is fast becoming one of the most fierce rivalries in South America takes place in the early hours of Friday morning as Chile and Argentina meet in a friendly in Los Angeles. These two sides contested the third-place playoff at the Copa America barely two months ago with the Albiceleste triumphing 2-1 in a game which saw Lionel Messi sent off in the first half. The Barcelona star is missing once more and is one of a number of high profile players on both sides who will not be involved in the game.
Latest odds
La Roja surprised many at the Copa America by mounting a spirited defence of their title and reaching the semi-finals. Reinaldo Reyna's men can be backed at 3.40 with Sportsbet to record a victory over their neighbours, with Argentina offered at 2.00 and the draw at 3.40.
Chile vs Argentina Team News
Lionel Messi is not the only big name missing for Argentina with Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria also not involved. Uncapped Lucas Ocampos has had to pull out from the squad with a muscle injury. Chile meanwhile are without their most experienced players in Alexis Sanchez, Arturo Vidal and Gary Medel.
Chile vs Argentina Preview
There is no love lost between these two sides and despite this being a friendly both will be extremely keen to claim a win. It is true however that both squads are far from full strength although Argentina clearly have more strength in depth than their rivals and can still call upon the likes of Paulo Dybala and Lauturo Martinez. Those two forwards are the star names in an otherwise low-key squad with Lionel Scaloni calling up 11 home-based players. It is clear the Argentine coach intends to use this match to experiment a little, while his counterpart on the Chile bench looks like having a similar mindset. This is unlikely to be a highly intense game therefore irrespective of the national rivalry between the sides although it is one that the two-time World Cup winners should edge.
Tips and predictions
Argentina on paper have the better side and with Chile missing their experienced core there will surely be some money for Scaloni's side to win. Under 2.5 goals at 1.79 is certainly worthy of consideration, while both teams to score 'no' at 2.00 could also prove profitable.
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Argentina to win at 2.00 for a 1pt stake with Sportsbet
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