Betting Tips: Colombia vs Argentina

Scaloni's men will be aiming for a second win without Messi in this international break and we think there should be goals when they face Reyes' side

There is likely to be a lively atmosphere at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey when Colombia face Argentina in a friendly match in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The large Colombian community in Florida was treated to a last minute 2-1 win over Venezuela at the weekend, and they will be hoping for more excitement against more South American opposition.

Argentina, for their part, enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 success over Guatemala in Los Angeles on Saturday and they will aim to continue the rebuilding process after a disappointing World Cup.

La Albiceleste are favourites priced at 11/8 (2.38) with William Hill, while Colombia are at 2/1 (3.00) and the draw can be backed at 9/4 (3.25) .

Lionel Messi is missing from the Argentina squad, along with Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain. Paulo Dybala is absent for personal reasons while Lautaro Martinez was unable to join up with the team because of a calf injury.

Colombia are without James Rodriguez and Yerry Mina, while right-back Santiago Arias picked up an injury against Venezuela and is ruled out.

The last time these two sides met was in a World Cup qualifier in Argentina two years ago with the hosts winning by a 3-0 scoreline, but only two starters from that qualifier in November 2016 are in the current Albiceleste squad.

Indeed, the only players aged 30 or over in the current national setup for Argentina are the goalkeepers and there is a definite feeling that a new generation is being brought through.

The signs were positive during the win over Guatemala, although Colombia will prove much more of a test for Lionel Scaloni's youthful and experimental side.

Los Cafeteros themselves are also beginning a new chapter with the departure of coach Jose Pekerman, and despite the absence of James, they created plenty of chances against Venezuela.

Both teams to score looks a little overpriced at evens (2.00) , while a win for Argentina and goals at both ends could be an interesting value bet at 19/5 (4.80) .