Argentina take on Spain in just possibly the football world’s most prestigious fixture of the day on Tuesday, at 5pm local time. The match is being screened live on ITV4 in the UK, and on state TV in Argentina, but beyond that I’m clueless I’m afraid. It’s the first visit of a European side to Argentina since 1999 when Lithuania flew in, and the first of a ‘big’ European power since West Germany’s visit for a rematch of the previous year’s World Cup final in 1987. HEGS will be in attendance, so you’ll have a tactical analysis special to look forward to on Wednesday (that’s why I’ve not written anything on this weekend’s league games). Both sides are putting out strong sides: only Carles Puyol’s absence through injury and Iker Casillas’ rest for the World Cup champions are major misses. Lionel Messi is just one of eleven Barcelona players in the squads (there are seven in the starting lineups); three for Argentina and eight for Spain. You can see both sides’ expected starting lineups right here.
Probable starting XIs, Argentina vs Spain, 7th September 2010:
For Argentina, it’s notable that in the first friendly Sergio Batista has picked his own squad for, both Javier Zanetti and Esteban Cambiasso have come not just into the squad, but straight back into the starting lineup. Gabriel Milito will also be delighted at being given a start by Checho. The midfield looks well balanced to me and Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez will no doubt take it in turns to drop back to orchestrate things.
In Spain’s side, I expect Jesús Navas to play slightly wider on the right than Andrés Iniesta will on the left, and seeing how Banega and Javier Zanetti deal with Xavi and Iniesta will be intriguing. There’s also an unspoken duel in the middle between Barcelona’s two holding midfielders: will it be new man Javier Mascherano (captain for Argentina) or their stalwart Sergio Busquets who impresses more? Pep Guardiola will be watching with interest, no doubt.
I’ll have any goals online a few hours after the game, and on Wednesday you’ll be able to ‘enjoy’ some analysis of the game itself right here on HEGS, as well as reading some slightly more abstract thoughts on it over on Soccernet. If you’re watching – or, indeed, attending yourself – then enjoy!
Argentina’s expected starting XI taken from all the Argentine media sites; Spain’s is taken from (with apologies to Barcelona fans) marca.com.
You can follow the daily ins and outs during the 2010 Apertura, as well Argentine clubs in the Copa Sudamericana, the country’s vast foreign legion and the latest news from the selección during the 2010-2011 season direct from Buenos Aires with HEGS on Twitter. If you’ve not signed up yet you can do so here.
Hasta El Gol Siempre 
Be interesting to see how Torres fares tonight with some tough Argentine tackles flying in. With Kuyt out for four weeks Liverpool would be in big trouble if he picked up an injury. Just wondering is David Villa not playing tonight?? Well spotted on Busquets V Mascherano, should make for some highly competitive challenges…..
just been lookin on getty images spain been training at the mecca of football (for those of u who are unintiated let me spell it out la bombonera is the mecca i’m speaking of!!) can’t wait only 5 hours to go its gonna be some game!!! Cue the boring 0-0…..sam any other websites were i can pick up decent photos of games in argentina??
Good luck at the match Sam ! Have fun ! Here’s hoping Andy D impresses !
atul, by ‘football mecca’ do you mean the half-finished ground with a block of flats down one entire touchline? La BlockofFlats haha.
*sigh* bosteros and gallinas feed from the same roast.
Care to explain that?