Argentina v Brazil
Football: FIFA World Cup 2010
South America (Conmebol) Qualifiers
Saturday 5th September 2009
Kickoff 21:30 local / 01:30 GMT

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South America's two arch rivals face off in Rosario in a cruical match for the hosts.

Argentina (4th) 6-4-4 19:15

Argentina have failed to impress when playing aaway from home recently, losing at Chile (0-1), being thumped in Bolvia (1-6!) and then losing in Ecuador (0-2).

These results have meant that Argentina is struggling to hold onto 4th place which is the minimum required for an automatic qualification into next years World Cup final in South Africa.

With tough games at Paraguay (coming up next) and at Uruguay to come, Argentina will be trying to get maximum point from the remaining two home games.

Argentina will be without midfielder Jonas Gutierrez who tore a right leg muscle while playing for English club Newcastle in the recent 4-3 League Cup victory over Huddersfield Town.

Argentina Squad :
Goalkeepers : Sergio Romero (AZ Alkmaar), Juan Pablo Carrizo (Zaragoza), Mariano Andujar (Catania).

Defenders : Nicolas Burdisso (Internazionale), Javier Zanetti (Internazionale), Gabriel Heinze (Real Madrid), Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle United), Nicolas Pareja (Espanyol).

Midfielders : Javier Mascherano (Liverpool), Fernando Gago (Real Madrid), Maxi Rodriguez (Atletico Madrid), Jonas Gutierrez (Newcastle United), Jesus Datolo (Napoli).

Forwards : Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid), Carlos Tevez (Manchester City), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Napoli), Diego Milito (Internaziole), Lisandro Lopez (Lyon)

Brazil (1st) 7-6-1 25:6

About a year ago - I was being pretty disparaging about Brazil, after a succession of pretty average performances.

Well since then there has been big wins at Chile (3-0), at Venezuela (4-0) and Uruguay (4-0) and there can be little doubt that the boys from Brazil are back with a swagger in their stride.

One intersting inclusion into the Brazilian squad this time is Adriano who last played for Brazil back in Ferbuary in a 2-0 win over Italy at Arsenal's Emirates stadum in London. Now with Flamengo, Adriano is one of the Brazilian league's leading scorers with 10 goals.

Brazil are almost assured of a spot in South Africa now, but will still not want to lose any games, both for national pride and also player security if they want to remain in the squad.

Brazil Squad :
Goalkeepers : Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Vitor (Gremio).

Defenders : Maicon (Inter Milan), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Andre Santos (Fenerbahce), Filipe (La Coruna), Lucio (Inter Milan), Miranda (Sao Paulo), Juan (AS Roma), Luisao (Benfica).

Midfielders : Elano (Manchester City), Julio Baptista (AS Roma), Kaka (Real Madrid), Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Josue (Wolfsburg), Felipe Melo (Juventus), Lucas (Liverpool), Ramires (Cruzeiro).

Forwards : Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Adriano (Flamengo), Robinho (Manchester City), Nilmar (Villarreal).

THe Betting Verdict

Apart from the 4-0 home in over Venezuela, Argentina have not been at their best in this campaign, and this home match against Brazil will be the toughest test.

The Argentine side do have a good recent record against Brazil, with two wins in the last two home games, and an away draw last year, but given Brazil's recent big wins - especially in Uruguay - it's hard to feel confident about a home win.

I like the price on the draw here - and it's a result that would probably suit both sides - with qualification being the main aim of the whole process.

The Statistics :

The Pick :

Argentina 1-1 Brazil

PERCENTAGE ESTIMATE :

Argentina 43% - DRAW 36% - Brazil 21%

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

The DRAW seems a likely result and at a very good price.