Russia vs Argentina
International Friendlies
Date: 11th November 2017
Kick off at 13:00 UK/ 14:00 CET
Venue: Olimpiyskiy Stadion Luzhniki (Moscow).
Russia
This summer’s Confederation Cup was anything but a joyful experience for the host country as the Russians could not progress beyond the group stage.
Stanislav Cherchesov’s men recovered from the failure by beating Korea Republic 4-2 at home in October. Nevertheless, the win was followed with a disappointing 1-1 draw against another Asian heavyweights Iran three days later.
Argentina
Jorge Sampaoli does not seem to have things in complete control. He has a deadly lineup of strikers, but for some reason there’s no place for Juve’s red-hot duo Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain in the starting XI.
Boca’s Diego Benedetto featured the deciding fixtures with Peru (0-0 draw) and Ecuador (1-3 win).
The likes of Sergio Aguero and Paulo Dybala should get the chance in the friendly with Russia against whom they should have plenty of room for delivering up front on Saturday.
Head To Head
The sides haven’t met since a 2009 friendly which was won 3-2 by Argentina.
Russia vs Argentina Stats
Russia have won just 5 of their last 20 internationals. Argentina have won 7 of their last 8 friendlies, scoring over 1.5 goals in 6 of those games.
Russia Team News
Striker Artem Dzyuba is still missing for Russia. 5 players have been dropped from their last squad, the most notable being Spartak midfielder Aleksandr Samedov.
Argentina Team News
Striker Mauro Icardi, midfielders Marcos Acuña and Lucas Biglia, as well as defender Gabriel Mercado have withdrawn from the squad due to injury. Leo Messi and Sergio Aguero are involved, along with a host of less experienced players who are hoping to stake their claim for a ticket back to Russia next year.
