Argentina will put into play the second largest undefeated in their history against a Uruguay submerged in football doubts and with sensitive losses on Sunday for the South American qualifiers to the 2022 World Cup.
The Rio de la Plata classic will be played at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, which will have a capacity of 50% of local fans.
La Albiceleste stacked 23 games undefeated after drawing 0-0 against Paraguay in Asunción on Thursday. The reigning Copa América champion fell ten games away from the longest lossless streak in its history under Alfio Basile between 1991 and 1993.
But regardless of statistics, Lionel Messi’s Argentina faces the qualification to the next World Cup without clouds. He has 19 points, eight less than the leader Brazil, and with two home games ahead in the remainder of the triple knockout date of October.
Uruguay, meanwhile, was unhappy with the goalless draw against Colombia in Montevideo. A goal by Luis Suárez disallowed by a millimeter advanced position detected by the VAR became even more difficult to digest due to wasted chances during the match.
La Celeste reached 16 points, but was relegated to fourth place and last in direct classification due to a less favorable goal difference compared to Ecuador, which beat Bolivia 3-0.
While Argentina would have the striker Lautaro Martínez – absent against Paraguay due to a muscular discomfort – and avoided the suspension of ten warnings, Uruguay will not be able to enlist several of its usual starters.
Midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur is suspended after receiving the second yellow against Colombia. At the same time, defender José María Giménez and offensive midfielder Giorgian De Arrascaeta were ruled out due to muscle injuries.
It remains to be seen if coach Oscar Tabárez bets again on the fearsome offensive duo made up of Luis Suárez and Edinson Cavani who have not played together since the Copa América. Against Colombia, the Atlético Madrid striker played for a time and was replaced by Cavani. The coach argued tactical and physical issues to break the partnership of the two top gunners in the history of the selected one.
The last time Uruguay won the River Plate classic as a visitor was in 1987 for the Copa América. Due to the current round robin format, he never beat the Argentines in that condition.
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