Jonty’s picks

Argentina are in serious danger of failing to make it to the 2018 Fifa World Cup in Russia, as they head into their final game of the CONMEBOL qualifying group in Ecuador tonight. The two-time World Cup winners have a star-studded squad, including the man widely regarded as the world’s best player in Lionel Messi. But they have had a dreadful qualifying campaign, and must beat Ecuador in Quito to guarantee themselves at worst a spot in a play-off for a place in Russia. If they cannot beat Ecuador there is a good chance that Jorge Sampaoli’s team will miss out, and Argentina have not won a qualifier at the Estadio Olimpico Atahualpa since 2001. I feel that in last chance saloon, Argentina will find a way to win, and at least give themselves another shot at a World Cup place. It would certainly send shockwaves through the world game if Messi and company are not in Russia next year.

Pool - S6 V1 P1 M1

Panama v Costa Rica - Panama to beat already-qualified Costa Rica Panama win = 1

Brazil v Chile - A point for Chile in Brazil Draw = 2

Ecuador v Argentina Previewed above Argentina win = 3

Paraguay v Venezuela - Paraguay for an easy home win

TIP: M2 TIP: M3 TIP: M4 TIP: M5

Paraguay win = 1 Peru v Colombia - Peru to leapfrog Colombia - Peru win = 1 Uruguay v Bolivia Uruguay to make most of home comforts. Uruguay win = 1

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