Austria
Austria looked sharp in their 3-1 opening win over Jordan, with Marko Arnautovic converting a late penalty to secure the win and Rangnick's pressing causing real problems. I rate them, but this is a far steeper test against the holders than what they faced against Jordan, so I expect a more cautious, deeper block built on Xaver Schlager and Nicolas Seiwald. Christoph Baumgartner is out of the tournament with a muscle injury and was replaced by Dejan Ljubicic, while David Alaba came through the Jordan game and is fit to anchor the back line. In my view Austria carry a threat on the break through Sabitzer and Schmid, but containing Argentina and their superstar in Messi for 90 minutes will be very difficult.
Predicted Lineup: A Schlager; Posch, Lienhart, Alaba, Mwene; Laimer, Seiwald; Schmid, Schlager, Sabitzer; Arnautovic.
Argentina
Argentina were ruthless against Algeria, Messi scoring three in his record sixth World Cup appearance and the side controlling the game from start to finish. With six points within reach and top spot likely, Lionel Scaloni may freshen one or two legs, but I still expect a strong eleven given a win seals qualification and the group lead. The defensive spine of Romero and Lisandro Martinez looked comfortable, and Scaloni has no shortage of weapons in attack. My read is that Argentina have far more quality across the pitch and will look to flex their collective muscle in this from the outset.
Predicted Lineup: E Martinez; Molina, Romero, L Martinez, Medina; De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez; Messi, L Martinez, Almada.
