International Friendly: Chilean Revolution Faces a Tough Test

Chile vs Argentina

South American football heads north to Los Angeles this week with the International Friendly Chile vs Argentina on offer to MLS fans.

And it will be a fascinating bout at the LA Memorial Coliseum, as Chile boss Reinaldo Rueda brings a new look team to face Argentina, having wielded the axe on many of the stalwarts of a glorious era.

It is indeed a friendly. But having met recently in the Copa America 3^rd place play-offs — which Argentina won 2-1 — Chile will be keen to avoid another defeat. In fact, this is an important game for both coaches as they try to bed in some new players.

So the big pre-match Chile vs Argentina news is dominated by the changing of the guard in Chile, while Scaloni too is happy to leave his two biggest guns at home.

He clearly feels he has enough talent ready to step in, and has the better squad. At tenth in the World FIFA Rankings, Argentina is four places above Chile, but in reality the gap may be a little bigger.

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Serie A

Talking Points

Chile’s New Dawn

La Roja has lost some of its consistency since dominating the Copa America three years ago and Rueda clearly believes now is the time to say goodbye to some tired heroes. They arrive in LA without Arturo Vidal, Gary Medel, Mauricio Isla, Gonzalo Jara and Jean Beausejour – five players who have won more than 550 caps between them.

Chile’s most capped player and top scorer of all time should be on show though, as Alexis Sanchez will aim to add to his 43 goals from 130 games. The prolific striker is turning over a new leaf himself, having moved to Inter Milan on loan from Manchester United.

He’s had a wretched time at Old Trafford, picked out by some fans as one of the reasons the Red Devils had such an underwhelming season last term. That’s a little unfair on the Chilean who was languishing in a squad with more than a handful of underperformers. He has proven quality and he is Chile’s best chance of a goal.

The experienced Claudio Bravo is likely to take the goalkeeper’s spot but he will have an inexperienced defence in front of him. River Plate’s Paulo Diaz is the only defender with double figure internationals to his name, while Udinese’s 22 year old 6’4’’ defender Francisco Sierralta could add to his five caps.

Argentina Rests Biggest Hitters

Facing such an inexperienced defence gives the Albiceleste an opportunity for goals but Scaloni is happy to leave Leo Messi, Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria at home. Messi and Aguero are the first and third highest Argentina goal scorers of all time, with a combined 108 goals, so Paulo Dybala — who is likely to lead the line — has quite an act to follow.

Paulo Dybala is expected to step up in their International Friendly match against Chile — Argentina recently defeated Chile and 3rd place in Copa America

Joaquin Correa has made a good start with Lazio and he put in a strong performance in the Rome Derby last weekend. He could start alongside or just behind Dybala, and there may be a chance for West Ham United’s Manuel Lanzini or Spurs’ new signing Giovani Lo Celso.

Argentina has a much more experienced defence than its opponents with Manchester City’s Nicolas Otamendi and Manchester United’s Marcus Rojo earning 125 caps between them.

How Sanchez would love to put one over on these two players!

History

Chile is a two-time Copa America winner back in 2015 and 2016, on both occasions winning the final on penalties against Argentina, while the latter has won 14 Copas and two World Cups. Those two setbacks hurt the Albiceleste, having failed to win a trophy for over two decades.

Argentina has dominated the head to heads – winning 14 of the last 23 meetings and four out of the last five. La Roja, on the other hand, have managed just five wins and four draws.

And recent form favours Scaloni’s men, winning three of the last four while Chile has lost three of its last four.

Betting Tip

	Chile vs Argentina	Argentina 1×2 @ 2.06
	September 6, 10:00 (GMT+8)

The very latest Chile vs Argentina betting odds here at SBOBET point to a win for Albiceleste and I’m happy to go along with that.

Chile is at odds of 3.35 and the draw is at 3.30, but while both teams are resting big players Scaloni has a deeper squad to call on.

Rueda has decided to move on from the golden generation of Gary Medel and co. and he is left with Alexis Sanchez as the best chance of a goal. But that won’t be easy against an experienced Argentina defence.

Goals may be difficult to come by and we anticipate a low scoring game with Under 2.50 goals at odds of 1.85; and the likely outcome of a 0-1 Argentina win is available at 6.60.