Now into the knockout stages of Qatar 2022, Argentina meet Australia at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on Saturday, in the last 16 of the World Cup.

The Albiceleste have switched personnel throughout a testing Group C campaign, but now seem to have settled on a winning formula which gets the best out of the squad's undisputed superstar, captain Lionel Messi.

Therefore, coach Lionel Scaloni is set to keep changes to a minimum following Wednesday's 2-0 win over Poland, even though there has been precious little time to recover between matches.

While there remains a clamour for the inclusion of Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez, it seems that Cristian Romero and Nicolas Otamendi are currently Scaloni's preferred duo at the heart of his defence.

However, Nicolas Tagliafico is a strong contender to replace Marcos Acuna at left-back after appearing as a second-half substitute in midweek.

One of the breakout stars of Benfica's superb start to the 2022-23 season, Enzo Fernandez has pushed his way to the front of the queue during the group phase and should again beat Leandro Paredes to a place in a midfield trio also featuring Atletico Madrid workhorse Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister, the latter of whom scored the opening goal versus Poland.

Julian Alvarez netted the second, so is favourite to start up front rather than Lautaro Martinez or Paulo Dybala; joining Angel Di Maria and Messi in a formidable attacking triumvirate. Only a recurring thigh problem could potentially keep Di Maria on the sidelines.

Argentina possible starting lineup: E. Martinez; Molina, Otamendi, Romero, Tagliafico; Mac Allister, Fernandez, De Paul; Alvarez, Messi, Di Maria

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