Argentina head into tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier against Chile in Buenos Aires with their hopes of reaching the finals in Russia next year in doubt.

Four games without a win – including consecutive losses to Paraguay and Brazil – have left Edgardo Bauza’s side out of the top four automatic qualifying places.

In contrast they will come up against a Chile side glowing with confidence after their 3-1 win over second-placed Uruguay in their last qualifying game in November.

Argentina’s players have maintained their self-imposed media ban in the build-up to game while Bauza is left to contemplate some difficult selection decisions.

He is definitely without Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta while first-choice striker Paulo Dybala is a major doubt after picking up an injury in his last game with Juventus.

It means Bauza must decide between restoring Sergio Aguero to his starting line-up or opting instead to give Ever Banega a chance from the start.

Chile coach Juan Antonio Pizzi also has selection issues with influential Arturo Vidal suspended and Alexis Sanchez battling to overcome an ankle injury.

But despite acknowledging the influence of the absent Vidal, Pizzi said it would not prevent his side seeking a win which would give their own qualification hopes a major boost.

Pizzi told reporters: “Our goal is to reach the World Cup in Russia and for that we need points, so we are going to Argentina with the intention of winning.

“We have a big squad with many options that we can use to replace Arturo. This does not mean that we do not recognise his importance – but I have enough good options to replace him.”

Playing today
Colombia vs Bolivia

Tomorrow
Paraguay vs Ecuador
Uruguay vs Brazil
Argentina vs Chile
Venezuela vs Peru