Marcos Acuna must rival influence of Ivan Perisic and other Argentina v Croatia key battles

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  • Lionel Messi and Argentina will look to ignite hopes of progression from World Cup 2018’s Group D when they battle Croatia at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Thursday.

    Here are the key battles:

    MARCOS ACUNA V IVAN PERISIC

    20 06 key battles Argentina v Croatia 1

    Head coach Jorge Sampaoli reportedly has a tactical shake-up planned for the clash with Croatia.

    A total of four changes have been predicted, plus a move to a 3-4-1-2 formation. Sporting Lisbon winger Marcos Acuna is expected to be a beneficiary of these wide changes.

    Acuna’s combined tally of nine goals or assists in the 2017/18 Primeira Liga points to his productivity for the left wing-back role.

    In opposition stands one of the best pure wingers in European football. Even at 29, Perisic keeps getting better.

    Best-ever statistics of 11 goals and nine assists in Serie A with Internazionale point to his danger.

    LIONEL MESSI V LUKA MODRIC

    20 06 key battles Argentina v Croatia 2

    Superstar figures, who cross the Clasico divide, will be found in the creative hub of both sides.

    Barcelona forward Messi missed a penalty in the disappointing 1-1 draw with Croatia. But he registered 11 shots, three key passes, two crosses and eight dribbles.

    His past exploits mean if he puts in such numbers against Croatia, goals and assists should follow.

    Real Madrid midfielder Modric succeeded where Messi failed and sunk his spot-kick in the 2-0 victory against Nigeria.

    He is now expected to be freed from a deep-lying position and be the main support for centre forward Mario Mandzukic.

    This should see his average statistics from the previous game rise.

    GABRIEL MERCADO V DEJAN LOVREN

    20 06 key battles Argentina v Croatia 3

    Sampaoli is believed to have seen enough from erratic Manchester United centre-back Marcos Rojo and decided to make a change.

    This should see versatile Sevilla defender Mercado move into a back three, alongside Manchester City’s Nicolas Otamendi and Ajax’s Nicolas Tagliafico.

    A 2017/18 La Liga average of 2.2 tackles per game points to his tenacity.

    Lovren is the star name in a Croatia backline that has conceded seven times during the last 10 matches.

    The Liverpool defender cuts a dominant figure in the air, with an average of 3.6 aerials won per 2017/18 Premier League game. This compares favourably to Mercado’s 1.6 in La Liga during the same period.

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