Argentina face Paraguay in Asunción at 9pm this evening and after opening day defeat to Ecuador, Gerardo Martino’s side know that anything other than victory would be an early blow to their World Cup qualifying hopes. Further injuries to Sergio Agüero and Lucas Biglia and the birth of Ezequiel Garay’s first child have forced Argentina to make more changes from the side that lost to Ecuador.

Pablo Zabaleta will take the place of Facundo Roncaglia at right back after the Fiorentina defender endured a difficult evening in the Monumental on Thursday and in Garay’s absence, Everton centre-back, Ramiro Funes Mori will get another opportunity to make his claim for an automatic slot in the back four.

Youngster Matías Kranevitter will earn his second start for Argentina alongside Javier Mascherano with Martino opting for the ‘double five’ formation that the 22-year-old has thrived in for River Plate. Kranevitter should provide a little more forward thrust with his passing but if Martino continues to try and utilise a 4-3-3 there is an obvious lack of a midfield player capable of going box-to-box.

With this in mind it would appear Martino will use a 4-2-3-1 with Carlos Tevez leading the attack and behind him an attacking midfield three of Ángel Di María, Javier Pastore and Ezequiel Lavezzi. Ángel Correa is a little unfortunate to lose his place in the side but in the pressure situation that Argentina already find themselves in, Martino obviously feels that Di María and Lavezzi are better drilled to balance the required roles of supporting Tevez but equally dropping to defend attacks on the flanks.

Argentina probable starting XI: Sergio Romero; Pablo Zabaleta, Nicolás Otamendi, Ramiro Funes Mori, Emmanuel Más; Javier Mascherano, Matías Kranevitter; Ezequiel Lavezzi, Javier Pastore, Ángel Di María; Carlos Tevez

Paraguay probable starting XI: Antony Silva; Bruno Valdez, Paulo Da Silva, Pablo Aguilar, Miguel Samudio; Néstor Ortigoza, Víctor Cáceres; Derlis González, Edgar Benítez; Lucas Barrios, Federico Santander

The two sides met just a few months ago when Argentina thrashed Paraguay 6-1 to reach the Copa América final. Ramón Díaz’s side on that occasion afforded Lionel Messi far too much space and the best player in the world ran riot. This evening, Argentina will be without their inspirational captain and Díaz will be far more confident of causing an upset.

In their opening game, Paraguay claimed a hugely valuable victory in Venezuela and Díaz’s opening target of four points from the opening two matches is well within reach.

Paraguay vs. Argentina in World Cup qualifiers:

Matches:             16
Paraguay won:             2
Draws:         8
Argentina won:             6

Paraguay vs. Argentina in official matches:

Matches:            40
Paraguay won:           2
Draws:      13
Argentina won:          25

Last five meetings

Argentina  6 – 1  Paraguay (30/6/2015)

Argentina  2 – 2  Paraguay (13/6/2015)
Paraguay  2 – 5  Argentina (10/9/2013)
Argentina  3 – 1  Paraguay (07/9/2012)
Argentina  4 – 2  Paraguay (25/5/2011)