Tata Martino’s Argentina will look to build upon their 2-0 win away at El Salvador in Maryland with another victory on Tuesday, as they take on Ecuador at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. They had no problems dispatching the Central American minnows on Saturday and didn’t have to turn to Lionel Messi or Sergio Agüero, who were both unused substitutes.
Ecuador vs. Argentina 2015: Time, TV schedule and preview
Argentina continue their trek around the U.S. with a game against Ecuador in New Jersey.
Simon Hofmann/Getty Images
However, Ecuador should prove to be tougher opponents, and the big names that were all omitted on the weekend will likely be thrown into the first team for this match. That could mean that Marcos Rojo and Javier Mascherano both return alongside Messi and Agüero, with the more inexperienced internationals like Ramiro Funes Mori and Roberto Pereyra among the favorites to make way.
Key player -- Lionel Messi (Argentina)
The Maryland crowd would no doubt have been left very disappointed by Messi’s omission against El Salvador, though the supporters are unlikely to suffer the same disappointment in New Jersey. This may be the latest in a string of seemingly interminable friendlies for Argentina -- they don’t play a competitive match again until the Copa América in June -- though Martino will still be looking for his best players to become accustomed to his game plan. Messi is no exception.
Key question -- Will Ecuador have any luck on the counter-attack?
Argentina will likely dominate possession in this match, relegating Ecuador's role to a counter-attacking one. However, that will be no problem for coach Gustavo Quinteros, whose side excel when they can use their pace out wide. Premier League players Antonio Valencia and Jefferson Montero could both cause problems for the opposing full backs, and it's in these areas that Argentina will face their biggest defensive issues.
Match Date/Time: Tuesday, 8 p.m. local / ET
Venue: MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, United States
TV: beIN Sports en Español (U.S. - Spanish)
Online: beIN Sports Connect (U.S. and Canada), Fubo TV (U.S.)
Listings via Live Soccer TV.
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