Against All Odds: Falcao inspired Colombia to upset Argentina

Argentina currently top the South American standings for qualification to World Cup 2014 but Paul Robinson thinks that their progress will be checked by Colombia later on tonight.

The Argentines are clear at the top of the CONMEBOL section and need just four more points from their five remaining fixtures to seal their place in Brazil next year. Alejandro Sabella has done well in his time as manager since his appointment in August 2011. He made a bit of a shaky start with an early defeat to Venezuela, but since then he's lost just one of his next 16 in charge.

The White and Sky Blue have been dominant on home soil of late - six straight wins, with a total of 19 goals scored. Captain Lionel Messi netted seven of those goals though and there is some confusion as to whether he'll be playing tonight. The Barcelona man has been struggling with a hamstring injury for the last couple of months and even if he does start, he surely won't be at his brilliant best.

Colombia are aiming to qualify for their first World Cup since France 98 and they're looking good to do so at this stage. They are in third place in the table - top four qualify - and while they're five points adrift of Argentina, they have played a game less.

José Pekerman is the man in charge of the Colombians and he has plenty of history with the Argentines. He was their manager between 2004 and 2006, including for the infamous World Cup game against Germany where the players brawled following the penalty shootout exit. He's led Colombia to eight victories from 11 matches since his appointment and he'll be wanting to overturn the 2-1 home defeat that the old regime suffered at the hands of Argentina back in November 2011.

Another man with a bit of history going into tonight is the new Monaco striker Radamel Falcao. The player netted 34 goals for River Plate between the years of 2005 and 2009 and he'll be keen to perform well on the home soil of the club who he signed for as a boy.

It's hard not to make Argentina favourites for this clash but I can't have them as low as 1.66 considering the doubts surrounding Messi and the fact that they only need four more points to qualify. That's why, at the prices, I have to make them my lay of the day.

Recommended Bet
Lay Argentina v Colombia @ 1.66

This match is available on Betfair Live Video and Premier Sports at 23:05 GMT

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