Spain vs. Argentina: Time, Live Stream and TV Schedule
Spain take on Argentina in an international friendly at Atletico Madrid's Wanda Metropolitano Stadium on Tuesday, when both sides will aim to show their credentials to win the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia this summer.
Each nation impressed in different ways last time out, with Spain drawing 1-1 against World Cup holders Germany on Friday and Argentina beating Italy 2-0 on the same day.
Lionel Messi was left on the bench for La Albiceleste against the Azzurri, proof manager Jorge Sampaoli's squad features an abundance of talent in attacking areas. Players such as Juventus centre-forward Gonzalo Higuain and Cristian Pavon of Boca Juniors can expose any defence.
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However, Sampaoli has said Messi is available after a muscle injury hampered his chances of appearing against Italy, per Press Association (h/t the Daily Mail).
Typically, Spain are brimming with technique and creativity in midfield, with Real Madrid's Isco being one of the star attractions.
Here are the schedule and viewing details:
Date: Tuesday, March 27
Time: 8:30 p.m. BST, 3:30 p.m. ET
TV Info: Sky Sports Football, ESPN Deportes USA, ESPN3
While Spain remain loaded in the middle, a pressing issue for coach Julen Lopetegui is who should lead the line up front. It looks like a choice between Atletico's Diego Costa and Alvaro Morata of Chelsea, according to ESPN.com's Graham Hunter.
He noted how "Costa hasn't regained his own sharpness and confidence in front of goal," missing key chances in the draw with Die Mannschaft. By contrast, Hunter believes Morata is better suited to Spain's style of play:
"Morata gives this Spain side pace, power, height, goals, assists, tactical nuances and, unlike Costa, he's entirely at home with the one-touch pass and move matrix upon which Andres Iniesta, Sergio, Busquets, Silva, Isco, Asensio and Thiago all thrive."
Stymying La Roja's quick combinations between the lines will be vital for Argentina. Sampaoli's side loves to fill the gaps with relentless pressing and get the ball to their star strikers as quickly as possible.
Argentina's quick transitions usually run through Sevilla schemer Ever Banega and mercurial West Ham United ace Manuel Lanzini. One attacker Sampaoli won't be able to rely on is Sergio Aguero.
The prolific Manchester City striker missed out against Italy and has not travelled to Spain, per Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News.
Even without Aguero, La Albiceleste have enough quality up front to keep pace with a Spain side who are better on the ball but lack the same cutting edge.
