Alexis Mac Allister is in Argentina's roster for the World Cup this summer. However, he faces competition from the likes of Enzo Fernández, Valentin Barco, Exequiel Palacios, and Rodrigo De Paul for a starting spot.
Argentina begins its defense of the World Cup against Algeria in the early hours of tomorrow morning, with the match kicking off at 2:00 AM BST. Liverpool fans who are staying up to watch the match will have to wait till an hour before kick-off to find out if Mac Allister will be playing. Lionel Scaloni's lineup will be posted on La Selección's official X account: @Argentina.
Is Alexis Mac Allister expected to play for Argentina tonight?
Scaloni has kept his cards close to his chest by rotating Argentina's lineup in recent friendly matches. He did not play his strongest lineup in their last match against Iceland. However, if Argentina is to play their best XI, then Mac Allister should be in it.
Argentina's central-midfield depth chart at the World Cup
Player | Club | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
Alexis Mac Allister | Liverpool | 46 | 6 |
Enzo Fernandez | Chelsea | 42 | 6 |
Valentin Barco | Strasbourg | 4 | 2 |
Exequiel Palacios | Bayer Leverkusen | 40 | 0 |
Rodrigo De Paul | Inter Miami | 87 | 2 |
Mac Allister, along with Fernandez and Palacios, are all central midfielders who are in their prime. De Paul is now 32 and no longer playing in European soccer. Whilst Barco is only 21, and seen more as a utility player as he can also play left-back and left-midfield.
Why Alexis Mac Allister's role matters for Liverpool supporters
Liverpool have not endured the best of seasons, but seeing one of their players star at the World Cup could boost their spirits. Mac Allister did not play his best in the campaign just gone, but reuniting with his national team could boost his confidence.
Mac Allister won the World Cup with Argentina back in 2022, but he was still a Brighton & Hove Albion player back then. Reds fans will be hoping he can emulate this feat. However, more importantly, they will want him to survive the tournament without picking up any injuries.
How Alexis Mac Allister has performed for Argentina recently
- Mac Allister has featured in all four of Argentina's friendly matches this year, but did not start the most recent two.
- The Liverpool player set up Lionel Messi in a 5-0 win over Zambia in April.
- Mac Allister's last goal for Argentina came when he scored a brace against Puerto Rico in a 6-0 thrashing last year.
Argentina team news and predicted lineup
Julian Alvarez is Argentina's only injury concern as he recovers from an ankle problem. This could mean that Lautaro Martinez starts ahead of the Atletico Madrid striker.
Predicted Argentina lineup vs. Algeria: Martinez; Molina, Otamendi, Romero, Martinez; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, Martinez, Almada
What to watch for if Mac Allister plays tonight
Argentina is the defending champion, so it will be interesting to see how Mac Allister deals with the pressure. He certainly did not have the best of campaigns as Liverpool failed to mount a defence of their Premier League title.
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