Sweden vs Argentina Preview

February 6, 2013 By Gregory Sica

Topics: Sweden, Argentina, International Friendly

Lionel Messi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic will go head-to-head as their respective national teams battle at the Friends Arena in Solna.

Argentina, who currently lead the South American World Cup qualifying group, will be hoping to extend their eight-game unbeaten run in official matches against the improving Swedes.

Los Albicelestes have not tasted defeat since falling to an unexpected 1-0 defeat at the hands of Venezuela in a World Cup qualifier back in 2011, and come into the clash with Sweden as the favourites, even if they will be the visiting team.

Alejandro Sabella, who won a number of titles with Estudiantes de La Plata before being appointed the coach of the Argentine national team, will count with a close-to full-strength squad for the game, and is expected to feature Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain in what is perhaps the most dangerous attacking trio in world soccer.

Sabella could spring a change at the back, with Rubin Kazan's Cristian Ansaldi pushing for a start in the left side of defence. Federico Fernandez and Ezequiel Garay are Sabella's desired centre-backs, while Pablo Zabaleta, who plays for Manchester City, will slot in at right back.

Fernando Gago, who recently returned to Argentine soccer with Velez Sarsfield, will form part of a three-man midfield along with Javier Mascherano and Angel Di Maria, while Sampdoria's Sergio Romero will defend the three posts.

Sweden coach Erik Hamren has yet to decide whether Johan Elmander or Udinese striker Mathias Ranegie will start up front, with world-class attacker Zlatan Ibrahimovic playing a slightly deeper role behind one of the two.

Zlatan, who is just ten goals away from equalling Sven Rydell's all-time scoring record of 49 national team goals, will be hoping to outshine Messi by putting on another memorable performance with the Blagult.