Rivals Argentina and Uruguay meet on Friday night in World Cup qualifying in a high stakes match for both teams in what's becoming a tight race in CONMEBOL for the four automatic qualifying spots. Taking place the day after Brazil punched their tickets to Qatar, Argentina are sitting pretty in second with a 7-4-0 record and a cushion of nine points over that fifth-place spot, and while they can't earn a World Cup berth during this window, three points here will put them one step closer. As for Uruguay, it's not time to hit the panic button, but they are at risk of failing to qualify if their average form continues. Oscar Tabarez's team has a 4-4-4 record and sits in sixth place, on the outside looking in. A win here gets them into fourth place.
Here's are storylines, how you can watch the match and more:
How to watch and odds
- Date: Friday, Nov. 12 | Time: 6 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadio Campeon del Siglo -- Montevideo, Uruguay
- TV: fubo Sports Network | Live stream: fuboTV (Try now)
- Odds: Uruguay +320; Draw +210; Argentina -110 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Storylines
Uruguay: Once viewed as the best defense in the world, that is no longer the case, especially after some poor recent results. Uruguay lost 4-1 to Brazil last time out and 3-0 to Argentina before that. Now at home for this one, they'll feel confident in getting something, even if Lionel Messi plays for Argentina. But the truth is, they have just two goals scored in their last four games, so they'll need the likes of Luis Suarez and Jonathan Rodriguez to step up big time. The defense will have their hands full, but if they can limit their mistakes, there is no reason why they can't win.
Argentina: Manager Lionel Scaloni said Messi is fit and will be playing in this one, offering Argentina a massive boost as they look to do the double over their neighbors. Nicolas Gonzalez will miss this match due to testing positive for COVID-19, but his absence shouldn't play that big of a factor. But do keep an eye on who plays up top with Messi. While it is expected to be Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez is one to watch if he plays. The River Plate man is just 21 years old but is coming off a four-goal performance and is the next big Argentina export.
Prediction
A second-half goal off a set piece gives Uruguay a point at home in a match that really couldn't lose. Pick: Argentina 1, Uruguay 1
