/ Michael / 01 June 2011 / Leave a Comment 
The absences some of big-name stars from Argentina's squad may mean that players like Manchester City's Pablo Zabaleta get a rare chance to impress
Any Argentine players anticipating a heroic reception upon arrival in Abuja will have been in for a shock with the Nigerian media absolutely furious at the lack of big names that the South Americans have sent over for the fixture, with Lionel Messi, Javier Mascherano, Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria all missing out.
The Nigerian Football Federation claim not to be bothered though, pointing to Saturday's Champions League Final and Sergio Batista's wish to try less experienced players ahead of July's Copa America, which they host and are [2.12] favourites to win on Betfair, and there is no doubting the motivation of the visitors with places in the squad for that tournament up for grabs.
The duo last clashed a year ago at the World Cup, when a full-strength Argentina side strolled to a 1-0 victory that was far more comfortable than the result suggests. The Albiceleste have never been beaten by the Super Eagles in four meetings, winning three and drawing the other, and the African nation have failed to score in the last three.
So while the 22-man Argentina travelling party boast an average of just 2.36 caps a player, there is plenty of reason to believe that the lesser lights given a chance to shine - and there are several established stars still involved, such as Pablo Zabaleta, Nicolas Otamendi and Mario Bolatti - will seize the opportunity at [2.2].
Since the start of 2010, Nigeria have won just one of seven encounters with countries from outside their own continent, and none of their last four. Their performance in South Africa last summer was so poor that their governing body attempted to withdraw them from international competition for two years. It will be a shock if they defeat even a weakened Argentina line-up at [3.9], with the draw looking their best hope at [3.4].
Samson Siasia's team have been prolific of late however, striking in all three of their games in 2011, so as five of Argentina's six matches in that time have involved both nations scoring, that looks like another bet worth pursuing at [1.75].
Best Bet: Argentina to win at [2.2]
Other Recommended Bet: Both teams to score at [1.75]
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