World Cup Qualifying: Argentina vs Colombia preview

Argentina will be looking to redeem themselves in front of their own fans following the defeat in Brazil as they host Colombia on Tuesday night. The game has more at stake than pride though, another poor result could put Argentina in danger of missing the 2018 World Cup. Argentina have won three of the last five direct matches, the last time Colombia beat them was back in 2007. Argentina are now sixth in the South American qualification group, only the top four qualify and the fifth will have to go through a play-off. They have not won any of their last four matches and lost the last two, including last week's 3-0 defeat against rivals Brazil. Head coach Edgardo Bauza will most likely get sacked if Argentina don't win this match, ending his tenure after just six games. Colombia are currently third in the group, but Argentina are just two points behind. Any defeat could see the situation change while Brazil and Uruguay seem to gain distance in the first two spots of the group. Colombia are coming from two consecutive draws, both at home, 2-2 last month against Uruguay and 0-0 last week against Chile. Oscar Murillo is suspended for this match, while Yerry Mina will miss out through injury. Probable line-ups: Argentina: Romero - Mercado, Otamendi, Funes Mori, Mas - Mascherano, Biglia - Messi, Banega, Di Maria - Pratto Colombia: Ospina - Arias, Murillo, Balanta, Diaz - Aguilar, Sanchez, Torres - Cuadrado, Rodriguez - Falcao My prediction: Argentina to win 2-1. Here are the odds for the match at Bet365: Argentina win - 1.50 Draw - 3.80 Colombia win - 7.50