Matchday 13 of the South American 2022 World Cup Qualifiers will see lifelong rivals meet for the second time in the tournament when Uruguay host Argentina at Estadio Campeon del Siglo today, November 12. Here, take a look at the lineups for this new edition of 'El Clásico del Río de La Plata', in which Lionel Messi won't start.
La Celeste need results fast following a weak start to the road to Qatar. Oscar Washington Tabarez has been under heavy fire after a disappointing October international break in which Uruguay claimed just one point out of nine.
The hosts come from two straight defeats, one of them against their upcoming opponents. The 2021 Copa America champions have yet to lose a game in the tournament, as they hold the longest unbeaten streak on the planet carrying 25 matches without defeat.
Uruguay starting XI
Tabarez needs to get a result as soon as possible to restore peace around his team and strengthen himself on the job. However, he'll have to deal with a major setback as Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani was ruled out for this international break.
Uruguay lineup: Fernando Muslera; Martin Caceres, Diego Godin, Jose Maria Gimenez, Joaquin Piquerez; Nahitan Nandez, Rodrigo Bentancur, Matias Vecino, Lucas Torreira; Brian Rodriguez, Luis Suarez.
Argentina lineup
Lionel Scaloni was forced to make two modifications to his usual starting lineup. PSG's Leandro Paredes is out as he hasn't recovered from a quadriceps tear but the big news is that Lionel Messi wasn't ready to go from the beginning.
The Argentine forward has been experiencing knee problems which prevented him from playing for Paris lately, and he wasn't fully cleared to start this time. However, he might come off the bench later in the game. Juventus star Paulo Dybala will have a massive opportunity with La Albiceleste after a long time.
Argentina lineup: Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Marcos Acuña; Rodrigo De Paul, Guido Rodriguez, Giovani Lo Celso, Angel Di Maria; Paulo Dybala, Lautaro Martinez.
