Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni believes in making changes. A statistic clarifies this: out of the 101 matches Argentina has played under his tenure, the same starting lineup has played two consecutive matches only three times. Will there be changes to the starting XI again for the quarter-final match against Switzerland?
Argentina did not play any warm-up matches before the game against Switzerland. However, observing their training sessions, the Argentine media outlet El Gráfico reports that changes to the starting XI are unlikely. If that holds true, it would mark the fourth time under Scaloni that Argentina fields the same starting lineup in two consecutive matches.
Meanwhile, the popular Argentine media outlet TyC Sports reported that Thursday’s training session was held behind closed doors. They noted that the exact lineup Scaloni might field remains unconfirmed, though significant changes from the team that played against Egypt are unlikely.
Scaloni had expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance after the match against Egypt. Consequently, the team is expected to remain largely the same, barring minor adjustments. Nevertheless, two key questions remain: Nahuel Molina or Gonzalo Montiel at right-back, and Julián Álvarez or Lautaro Martínez in the attack? The midfield also presents a point for consideration.
Neither Molina nor Álvarez was in top form during the Round of 16 match. If changes occur, they are likely to happen in these two positions. The performances of Montiel and Martínez—who came on as substitutes in the second half—have particularly heightened this uncertainty; Martínez contributed to Argentina’s final two goals in the match against Egypt.
Argentina is set to play against Switzerland the day after tomorrow (Bangladesh time). The starting XI for this match will be finalized following today’s training session. However, it is certain that there will be no major changes to the squad.
