New coach Sergio Batista has been given the task of rebuilding the team following Argentina’s disappointing exit from the World Cup with the match against Portugal a great chance for the boss to test some new players.
Juan Manuel Martinez and Marcos Rojo will have the chance to earn their first caps, but Tevez, Higuain, Demichelis, Aguero and Heinze have been left out for one reason or another.
Anderlecht midfielder Lucas Biglia and Boca youngster Cristian Chavez will get a chance to shine, while there are doubts over Leo Messi after he pulled a muscle in training.
Portugal, on the other hand, returned to form following the dismal start to the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign and they largely impressed in their last friendly, beating World Cup winners Spain 4:0.
Paulo Bento is without stoppers Pepe and Carvalho through injury, so Valencia’s Ricardo Costa has earned a late call-up.
Ricardo Quaresma returns to the side after recovering from injury, whereas Hugo Almeida and Helder Postiga are also included.
Portugal in-form stars Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani and Raul Meireles are expected to step up the plate and help the team continue the great run of results.
The match will be played in Geneva, so home field advantage is out of the picture, but Argentina are 2.40 (7/5) to win the game at Bet365. With odds of 3.00 (2/1) offered on away win, there could be some value in betting on Portugal, while draw pays 3.20 (11/5).
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