Best Odds: 6/5
Bookmaker:
Looking to open 2022 with a statement on foreign soil, Argentina will make the trip to the Estadio Municipal de Calama in the early hours of Friday when they meet Chile.
Chile
Starting with the hosts, managing to sign off 2021 with a 1-0 win away at El Salvador in a friendly contest on December 12th, Chile will be desperate to keep up that momentum here. However, while La Roja might have enjoyed a much-needed purple patch between October and November, Martín Lasarte s men have publically struggled their consistency over recent times. Last seen on qualifying duties getting hit with a 2-0 defeat at home against Ecuador, the Reds are in another battle to book their spot at this year s World Cup finals. Opening their return to action at the Estadio Municipal de Calama currently sat a single point outside of the play-off place, Chile will be knowing that they face another stern test here. While Lasarte s side might have snatched a point in each of their last three meetings against the South American giants, they have shown some extended issues on home soil. On a run highlighted by a stunning 2-0 loss against Paraguay, Chile have collected just six points from a possible 15 in Calama.
Team News
Inter Milan forward Alexis Sanchez has been included in Chile s squad for January s fixtures and should lead the line on Friday.
Likewise, the former Manchester United man should be joined in attack by Blackburn sensation Ben Brereton Díaz.
Argentina
As for the visitors, while Argentina might have been last seen signing off 2021 with a 0-0 stalemate against fellow European giants Brazil, some in their camp would have been disappointed to have settled for just a single point. However, lifting the Copa America title last year amidst stunning scenes, La Albiceleste have enjoyed a hugely impressive run of form. Sat in pole position to book their spot in the Middle East, Head Coach Lionel Scaloni s men are unbeaten in each of their last 27 matchups across all formats, a run that stems back to July 2019. Smelling the chance to lay down a real marker on Friday, Argentina have also gained a host of plaudits for their continued performances at the back. Remarkably, Scaloni s men have kept a clean sheet in each of their previous seven outings on the spin, leaving the likes of Brazil, Uruguay and Peru unscathed. With just a pair of defeats against Chile to their name since the two nations first met over a decade ago, Argentina will be looking to take one giant step to booking their spot at this year s World Cup finals.
Team News
Argentina announced last week that PSG superstar Lionel Messi would not be included in January s squad as he looks to fully recover from COVID-19.
However, the Aston Villa duo of Emi Martínez and Emi Buendía have been included and should both feature on Friday.
Key Factors to Consider
