Copa America 2015 final: Chile v Argentina preview

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Kick-off: Tuesday, 4th July @ 21:00 BST

Venue: Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos (Santiago de Chile, Chile)

Previous meetings

Chile v Argentina 1-2 (2014 World Cup qualifier)
Argentina v Chile 4-1 (2014 World Cup qualifier)
Chile v Argentina 1-0 (2010 World Cup qualifier)
Argentina v Chile 2-0 (2010 World Cup qualifier)
Argentina v Chile 0-0 (International Friendly)

Chile

Last 5 matches

Chile v Ecuador 2-0 (2015 Copa America)
Chile v Mexico 3-3 (2015 Copa America)
Chile v Bolivia 5-0 (2015 Copa America)
Chile v Uruguay 1-0 (2015 Copa America)
Chile v Peru 2-1 (2015 Copa America)

Team News:

While Gonzalo Jara has seen his ban reduced to two matches, the Mainz defender is suspended for the 2015 Copa America final for the incident involving Edinson Cavani. Star forward Alexis Sanchez has reassured the fans that he is fit to play after his close friend had suggested the Arsenal star was carrying a muscle injury.

Francisco Silva is expected to replace Jose Rojas in the heart of defence, while Jean Beausejour should come in for Miiko Albornoz. Holding midfielder Marcelo Diaz will slot to defence when Chile attack, meaning the 4-3-1-2 formation will transform to 3-4-1-2 at times.

Players to watch: Alexis Sanchez, Arturo Vidal, Jorge Valdivia.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-1-2): Bravo – Isla, Medel, Silva, Beausejour – Vidal, Diaz, Aranguiz – Valdivia – Sanchez, Vargas.

Argentina

Last 5 matches:

Argentina v Paraguay 2-2 (2015 Copa America)
Argentina v Uruguay 1-0 (2015 Copa America)
Argentina v Jamaica 1-0 (2015 Copa America)
Argentina v Colombia 0-0 (5-4 pen) (2015 Copa America)
Argentina v Paraguay 6-1 (2-15 Copa America)

Team News:

Argentina national team coach Gerardo Martino has no selection worries at the moment and with his side largely impressive in the 6-1 semi-final triumph over Paraguay, the former Barcelona coach is highly unlikely to tinker with his starting line-up, although Ezequiel Garay returns from injury.

After missing the 2014 World Cup final, Angel Di Maria will have an extra motive to do well against Chile, while nobody is really concerned by Leo Messi’s goalscoring drought after his outstanding display in the semis.

Players to watch: Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Romero – Zabaleta, Garay, Otamendi, Rojo – Biglia, Mascherano, Pastore – Messi, Aguero, Di Maria.