Topics: Argentina, Ireland, Messi, International Friendly
Sergio "Checho" Batista's debut match as Albiceleste's manager will have his team take on one of the big absents in South Africa, as Thierry Henry's Hand of God denied Robbie Keane's squad their place in Group A.

 When Germany defeated Argentina by four goals it was clear some things were to change if the Albiceleste was to fly once again at the top of Global Football. The president of Argentina's Football Association forced Maradona to modify his coaching if he wanted to stay, but El Diez decided to leave without making such a fuzz. The Irish team is aware Argentina is going through a footbalistic crisis and so an aggressive formation is expected to stop Argentina's ball flow. Sergio Aguero's absence is almost confirmed, will Batista receive a victory welcome gift on Irish ground?

Collective Work

Batista has made clear his priority during these weeks in command of the Albiceleste cruise was to find a way to reorganize the team as a living organism, as one of the main problems in South Africa was the lack of organization and general direction of the team. 
 
 
Argentina's coach declared he's going to feed from Spain's strategy in South Africa, as he believes "is the best scheme at the moment". Team's coach is aware his future in the team depends on the result of this match and the next one, for Julio Grondona is still looking for a permanent coach for the National Football Team. Alejandro Sabella is one of the loudest sounding names, as Estudiantes' champion has been the most prolific coach of the decade in Argentinean football and has an intimate relationship with Maradona's assistant Carlos Bilardo (linked to Estudiantes too). Except for the sounding defeat against Germany Argentina has won every match in the year, scoring 22 goals while receiving only eight.

Europeans only

The list of 24 players called for the match exclude players from the Apertura, as it seems Maradona's successor will not work on developing a team but rather on harvesting the fruits of Maradona's work. Real Madrid's new star Angel Di Maria is one of the players whose presence is almost confirmed, joining Gonzalo Higuain and Lionel Messi in the offense. Carlos Tevez might not be able to perform, as he's at the moment dealing with a flu coupled with fever. El Apache was warned by Manchester City's medical board on his trip to Ireland, though it is yet uncertain whether he'll join the rest of the team or not.
 
Jesus Datolo, Ever Banega and Emiliano Insua have returned to the Albiceleste, and their presence in the midfield will reinforce the presence of the team from the wings, one of the weakest areas of Maradona's strategy in South Africa. Messi and Di Maria's role will be decisive, leading the advance and keeping the Irish team under constant pressure. Jesus Datolo has been experiencing some physical inconveniences upon his arrival on European ground, jeopardizing his presence in this friendly match.

A lotus on Irish streams

Giovanni Trapattoni will have a lot to think prior to this challenging match, as Ireland's defense will be facing a few of the most experienced strikers around the globe. On the last five matches the European squad has only been able to obtain two triumphs, but it's important to clarify that those victories have been the last matches played, showing Trapattoni's team is slowly advancing towards its goal.
 
The list of 28 players does not show many surprises. Manchester City's Shay Given has been confirmed as the chosen goalkeeper, but his right shoulder injury might keep him from playing. The list of players struggling with injuries include Aiden McGeady, Marc Wilson, Andy Keogh and Kevin Foley, though it seems they'll be fully fit before Wednesday's night. But there are other feelings despite sorrow on Irish ground, as young Greg Cunningham will be returning to the National Football Team after an incredible season with Manchester City.
 
John O'Shea's versatility in the back line can offer some much needed security in the last meters, as Ireland is not known by the toughness of their central defenders. Joining him on the right wing we'll most likely see Stephen Kelly, while Richard Dunne and Sean St Ledger will defend Ireland's goal against Argentina's experienced strikers.
 
Argentina can pose different threats to Ireland depending on its formation. Diego Milito or Gonzalo Higuain? Once Batista declares Argentina's formation the Europeans will have little time to solve an offensive enigma that can cost them the game.