Argentina vs Bolivia: Hosts look to get back on track after Brazil game drama

Topics: TV Schedules, TV Listings, Argentina, Bolivia, CONMEBOL, 2022 World Cup qualifiers

After the dramatic events that saw their World Cup qualifier with Brazil abruptly cancelled, Argentina will look to get back on track as they prepare to host struggling Bolivia.

Preview: Argentina vs Bolivia

Last week, fans hoping to see a rematch of this summer's Copa America final were left sorely disappointed after a bizarre turn of events took place during the highly-anticipated clash between Brazil and Argentina. In a scene that seemed like something out of a bad movie, Brazilian health authorities suddenly stormed the pitch to apprehend several Argentinian players they had claimed had lied in order to get around COVID-19 protocols and gain access to the country. Ultimately, the match was suspended after just ten minutes of play, with no guarantee that it'll be replayed, and that means Argentina will need to gather and regroup ahead of this tie.

As things stand, Lionel Scaloni's troops sit in second place. They're still unbeaten, but are still six points behind table leaders Brazil and will look to try to close some of the gap when Bolivia come to town. Prior to the suspension of the Brazil tie, Argentina had recorded a relatively comfortable 3-1 road win over Venezuela, and will be facing a Bolivia side who have seen their form take a major nosedive over the past few months.

La Verde had initially started things off badly, losing to both Argentina and Brazil early on, but seemingly had started to turn a corner with draws against Paraguay and Chile and a win over strugglers Venezuela. But that form didn't help them much at the Copa America, where they departed early after failing to pick up a single point from any of their group stage matches.

Still, Bolivia aren't out of the running just yet. The top four teams do get a ticket to the World Cup, while the team in fifth can try their luck in the play-offs, but it will take a monumental task - and a major upset - for them to try to force their way back into contention, especially with how strong Lionel Messi and his teammates have looked over the past year.

Team news: Argentina vs Bolivia

Argentina: Emiliano Martinez and Emiliano Buendia, two of the players involved in the quarantine issue have returned to Aston Villa after being released from the squad; however, both Giovani Lo Celso and Cristian Romero have not been sent back to Tottenham and for now apparently are still in the team's camp.

Bolivia: As for the visitors, they can now welcome Carmelo Algaranaz back into the fold after he completed his suspension following a red card received during their draw with Colombia.