Argentina vs Croatia line-ups: Predicted XIs, confirmed team news, latest injury for 2022 World Cup semi-final
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni has many decisions to make when choosing his starting line-up to face Croatia in Tuesday’s World Cup semi-finals.
A move to five at the back put Lisandro Martinez back in the XI for the penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands in the quarter-finals, after a 2-2 draw and extra time.
Full-backs Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel are unavailable through suspension, although Nicolas Tagliafico is expected to enter on the left side of the defense and Nahuel Molina can continue on the right.
Whether Scaloni opts for a four-man or five-man defense could depend on the fitness of Angel Di Maria, with the veteran winger coming off the bench against the Netherlands after injury.
Papu Gomez is doubtful with an ankle strike that kept him out of the quarter-finals.
Lionel Messi will continue in the lead for Argentina and Lautaro Martinez competes with Julian Alvarez to start alongside the captain.
Croatia have no further injury or suspension concerns, with Borna Sosa back to start their dramatic victory over Brazil in the final round.
Late leveler Bruno Petkovic put him back in contention to start after Andrej Kramaric’s quiet performance. Mario Pasalic hopes to keep his place in attack.
Predicted Argentina XI: E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Li. Martínez, Tagliafico; De Paul, Fernandez, MacAllister; Messi, La. Martinez.
Predicted Croatia XI: Livakovic; Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modic, Brozovic, Kovacic; Pasalic, Petkovic, Perisic.
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