Argentina vs. Bosnia: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview

World Cup contender Argentina continues preparations for next summer's tournament with a friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which has also qualified. The match between two of the world's top 16 teams will take place in St. Louis.

The Albiceleste are coming off a lackluster scoreless draw against Ecuador last week. Although Argentina was able to control the pace of play for most of the match, it lacked chemistry in the final third and wasn't able to find the net.

After a brief skid near the end of summer, which featured home losses to the United States and Slovakia, the Zmajevi have bounced back to win three straight matches. Facing Argentina should be a good measuring stick for the Bosnian squad.

Let's check out all the key information for Monday night's friendly, followed by a breakdown of the top storyline and a match prediction.

Where: Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo.

When: Monday, Nov. 18 at 8:30 p.m. ET (1:30 a.m. GMT)

Watch: beIN Sport and BT Sport 1

Live Stream: beIN Sport Play

Match Odds (via Bovada)

Argentina: -190

Bosnia-Herzegovina: +450

Draw: +290

Top Storyline: Can Argentina generate a dangerous attack without Lionel Messi?

Messi is the driving force behind Argentina's attack, and his absence was noticeable during the team's draw with Ecuador. Nobody stepped into his role as the true leader of the offense, which is the main reason the side failed to get on the scorecard.

The world-class forward is expected to miss six to eight weeks due to a hamstring injury. While that timetable isn't a major concern to Argentina since the World Cup is still quite a ways off, the Albiceleste must learn to play without him just in case another nagging injury pops up closer to the tournament.

Talent isn't the issue. Even without Messi, Argentina has a potent strikeforce highlighted by Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain. The midfield, led by Angel di Maria, has a nice combination of experienced veterans and rising stars, as well.

Getting the offense to produce without the Barcelona forward comes down to somebody stepping into that central attacking role and everybody falling in place behind him. Whether it's Aguero or Higuain, Argentina needs someone to embrace and excel despite the pressure.

Bosnia called up an inexperienced defensive group for the friendly. Only one defender, Emir Spahic, has more than 10 international appearances. That gives Argentina's attacking stars a chance to adapt and shine in their roles without Messi.

Prediction

Bosnia and Herzegovina has its own pair of dangerous forwards in Edin Dzeko and Vedad Ibisevic. They are going to challenge the Albiceleste back line far more than Ecuador did, which is exactly the type of test the defense needs leading up to the World Cup.

Argentina must counter with a strong attacking presence of its own. It starts in the midfield with Di Maria and Co., but finding that final touch is the biggest challenge. Expect an in-form Aguero to step up and lead his side to victory.

Argentina 2, Bosnia and Herzegovina 1