Argentina Vs Ecuador - New team formation in the works

After their uneventful win against Colombia, Maradona is looking for new ideas and combinations for the High altitude game against Ecuador this Wednesday. The team might even be unrecognizable - There is also a very good possibility that Messi will not play due to a Yellow card that he received in a previous game which could jeopardize the next game against Brazil. Other key players, Mascherano (team captain) & Aguero will definitely not be present due to cards and injuries.

Based on the last major training session in Buenos Aires, it was basically the B-Team that was on the field playing the scrimmage game against the practice team (Tristan Suarez's Club youth team).

Possible Players Against Ecuador:
Juan Pablo Carrizo, Javier Zanetti,Juan Forlín Nicolás Burdisso, Nicolás Otamendi, Emiliano Papa, Maximiliano Rodríguez, Cristian Giménez, Sebastián Battaglia, Fernando Gago, daniel Montenegro, Lisandro López y Gonzalo Bergessio.

As for the high elevation, I don't think Maradona has done enough to prepare his team for the high altitude conditions of Quito, which is approx. 10,000 ft above sea level. In my opinion, he should have flown out on Sunday, enabling his team to have a full training session in altitude. This would've given his players a better feel for the environment and extra time to acclimatize.

The one advantage that Argentina has against Ecuador is history. Argentina has won most of their previous engagements. AFA put together some great stats of Argentina's playing history against Ecuador which is a must see for all stat hungry fans. Click Here for the AFA stats

Napoli interested in Ever Banega: looks to Inter as role model

With the possible signing of the clever defensive midfielder Ever Banega it appears Napoli along with its new coach Donandoni is looking to Argentine players to secure a successful future. This is a similar path Inter Milan took a few years ago when they acquired several high profile Argentine players (see below) all of which have been national team players. This strategy has surely worked for Inter as they continue being the undisputed powerhouse of the Italian league. Ever Banega would bring Napoli's Argentine player count to four the others (see below) are fairly new signings with the latest being Boca Junior's Jesus Datolo.

Ever Banega would bring much needed relief in Napoli's midfield with his defensive style which includes great ball control and tackling. He is from the same school as Fernando Redondo, Mascherano & Gago. Unfortunately Banega has not had much playing time since his arrival to Atletico Madrid via a loan from Valencia. I hope this changes when he goes to Napoli or any other team he ends up in. I also think he should be Gago's backup on Maradona's team just like he was for his ex-team Boca Juniors.

Inter's Argentine Players
Javier Zanetti
Nicolas Burdisso
Walter Samuel
Esteban Cambiasso
Julio Cruz
Hernan Crespo

Napoli's Argentine Players
Jesús Dátolo
Ezequiel Lavezzi
Germán Denis



Ever Banega Compilation

Maradona's Line-up Against Venezuela

According to the Argentine media, it appears Maradona is preparing an all-front assault on Venezuela by placing his biggest guns (Messi, Aguero, & Tevez) on the front line. Most practice sessions have included a 3-4-3 formation (see below). Mascherano & Gago will be in charge of circulating the ball & controlling the mid-field which is a crucial element to the Argentine formula. If this formation does play on Saturday it will be a true test as to whether this super trio can jive together and produce goals.


Probable Team Against Venezuela (Click player for Stats)

Tevez ---------- Aguero ---------- Messi

Guiterrez - Mascherano - Gago - Rodriguez

Heinze ---------- Diaz ---------- Angeleri

---------------Carrizo------------------