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Javier PASTORE linked to Sevilla, Chelsea, Liverpool, Milan

Roy Nemer
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36

Javier PASTORE is being linked to a move to several clubs across Europe.

Per reports from around Europe, PSG’s Javier PASTORE is wanted by several teams in Europe. Sevilla of Spain, Chelsea and Liverpool of England and both Milan teams from Italy are reportedly intersted in the midfielder.

According to a report by Sport in Spain, Sevilla want to sign PSG’s Javier PASTORE. The midfielder is reportedly keen on the move with playing time being currently limited in France. Sevilla want a loan move with an option to buy but it appears as though PSG wouldn’t want the move to happen.

L’Equipe in France state that both AC Milan and Inter want to sign Javier but there is an £18m release fee should they want to get him in January.

In England, both Liverpool and Chelsea are interested in signing the Argentina international but a move to England looks to be unlikely.

Italy, Belgium and Morocco among possible opponents

Roy Nemer
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99

Italy, Belgium and Morocco are among the possible opponents for March’s friendly matches.

It has been a disastrous week in Italian football (and not the best one for Argentina following a 4-2 loss against Nigeria). Possibly the biggest black eye in Italian history after the team’s playoff elimination which meant they would not be at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Many (myself included) think that Argentina are very close to being like Italy and the only (or at least major) reason they are at the World Cup is because the Albiceleste are fortunate to have Lionel MESSI while the Italian team doesn’t have a MESSI.

However, MESSI or not, we might get the chance to see how these two world heavyweights compare because according to several reports, there are big chances that Argentina play Italy in March with the friendly taking place in Basel, Switzerland.

The other possible opponent are Belgium, Argentina’s opponent in the quarter finals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The Red Devils, unlike the Azzurri, will be at the World Cup next year.

Third and final (for now) possible opponents are Morocco, who have qualified for the World Cup for the first time since the 1998 edition in France. As it stands, it appears as though it’s going to be one of Italy or Belgium for the first match and Morocco in the second with the match taking place in Casablanca.

No MESSI, no victory as Argentina lose 4-2 against Nigeria

Roy Nemer
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71

No MESSI, no victory for Argentina as they let a two goal lead slip away in 4-2 loss to Nigeria.

After picking up a 1-0 win against Russia, the team was without Lionel MESSI for the match against Nigeria. Despite no Messi, Jorge SAMPAOLI’s men got off to a solid start scoring twice in the first half. A free kick goal by Ever BANEGA was shortly followed by Sergio AGUERO’s second goal in two matches to make it 2-0 with very little left to go in opening 45 minutes. However, a free kick for the Nigerians resulted in a goal after back-up goalkeeper Agustin MARCHESIN was unable to keep it out.

The second half was one to forget. It started with Sergio AGUERO having to be substituted off after fainting in the dressing room (good news is that he is back with the team and feeling better). But it wasn’t the attack that should have worried SAMPAOLI as the midfield and more specifically the 3 man back line crumbled in the second 45 minutes. Three goals meant an Argentina loss and a first loss for Jorge SAMPAOLI as Argentina coach.

A worrying sight for SAMPAOLI is that without Lionel MESSI, this Argentina team looks fairly average.

Argentina eleven confirmed against Nigeria, DI MARIA starts

Roy Nemer
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117

The Argentina line-up to play Nigeria has been confirmed and Angel DI MARIA starts.

Following the team’s 1-0 win against Russia, coach Jorge SAMPAOLI has made a few changes to the eleven which are going to start against the Nigerians. Here’s the starting line-up:

MARCHESIN; MASCHERANO, PEZZELLA, OTAMENDI; Enzo PEREZ, BANEGA; PAVON, LO CELSO, DI MARIA; DYBALA, AGUERO.

The line-up means seven of the eleven players that started the match against Russia will start this one. Javier MASCHERANO, German PEZZELLA, Nicolas OTAMENDI, Enzo PEREZ, Giovani LO CELSO, Angel DI MARIA and Sergio AGUERO all repeat for the second straight match. Goalkeeper Agustin MARCHESIN comes in for Manchester United’s Sergio ROMERO, Ever BANEGA comes in for Matias KRANEVITTER, Cristian PAVON in for Eduardo SALVIO and Paulo DYBALA replaces Lionel MESSI.

Paulo DYBALA, Dario BENEDETTO to start against Nigeria

Roy Nemer
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65

Paulo DYBALA, Dario BENEDETTO and a whole set of new players are set to start for Argentina against Nigeria.

Jorge SAMPAOLI is expected to make eleven changes from the 1-0 victory against Russia for the game against Nigeria. We already know that Lionel MESSI will not take part in the second friendly match as he already left the team to go back to Barcelona.

In Sunday’s training session, the coach went with eleven changes. However, the line-up used in training is not necessarily the same which will start the match against the Nigerians. Here’s the team which training and the rumored line-up:

Argentina team in training:

MARCHESIN; MAMMANA, FAZIO, INSUA; PAVON, BANEGA, PAREDES, GOMEZ, PEROTTI; DYBALA and BENEDETTO

Paulo DYBALA, Dario BENEDETTO up front:

MARCHESIN; MASCHERANO, PEZZELLA, OTAMENDI; PAVON, BANEGA, KRANEVITTER, LO CELSO, DI MARIA or PEROTTI; DYBALA, BENEDETTO

According to Ole, the second line-up is the one expected to start. The only question remains on the left between Angel DI MARIA and Diego PEROTTI. If that were to be the team which starts against Nigeria, it would mean that goalkeeper Agustin MARCHESIN would get only his second cap for his country (the first coming in a 7-0 victory in October 2014 against Hong Kong). The same three which started against Russia would start this one, Cristian PAVON (who had the assist on Sergio AGUERO’s goal) would get his first ever start. Ever BANEGA would come in for Enzo PEREZ while Matias KRANEVITTER and Giovani LO CELSO would get back to back starts. Up front, it’s Paulo DYBALA and Dario BENEDETTO.

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