Messi, Di Maria and Alvarez appear relaxed in training yesterday

Argentina trained at the Estadio Beira Rio in Porto Alegre yesterday ahead of their match against Nigeria and Alejandro Sabella looks set to name the same starting eleven that played against Iran. Marcos Rojo is the only player on a yellow card and was perhaps was one player who might be replaced but Sabella is obviously keen to get more minutes for his first choice eleven and see improvements.

Sabella has said that, “We all have to improve. There has to be mobility to find the spaces.” With this improvement in mind the same eleven is likely and certainly the attacking players will be looking to make much more of an impact.

More will be expected from Sergio Agüero and Gonzalo Higuain and it is hoped that a more open Nigeria will allow Argentina the space to attack.

The starting eleven looks to be: Sergio Romero; Pablo Zabeleta, Ezequiel Garay, Federico Fernandez, Marcos Rojo; Javier Mascherano, Fernando Gago, Angel Di Maria; Lionel Messi, Kun Agüero, Gonzalo Higuain

Marcos Rojo is the only player on a yellow and in danger of missing a potential last 16 tie but Sabella will opt for him over Jose Basanta, who would most likely be his replacement.