Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella will be looking to claim the country's third World Cup trophy this summer in Brazil and with arguably the best squad in years, La Albiceleste have a great opportunity to add to the successes of 1978 and 1986.
Here is a look at a potential starting XI for Argentina:
Goalkeeper:
There has been much talk over who will start between the sticks in Sabella's squad as his two regular goalkeepers, Sergio Romero and Mariano Andújar, rarely turned out for their respective clubs (Monaco and Catania) this season. Although it is more than likely that Romero will be given the number one jersey, as he has been the team's first choice in recent years, starting in all but one game in South Africa 2010.
Joining Romero and Andújar on the plane to Brazil is Boca Juniors' Augustín Orion, who will more than likely spectate his compatriots in Brazil.
Defence:
The Argentinian back four will most likely include Premier League champions, Pablo Zabaleta and Martín Demichelis at right back and centre half respectively. Zabaleta will operate more as a full back to add more attacking depth - something which has excited the Manchester City support in recent years.
Joining Demichelis at the centre of defence will probably be Ezequiel Garay, who enjoyed a great season at Benfica this season, winning a domestic treble and finishing as runners up in the Europa League.
Left back will be assumed by Marcos Rojo, who plays for the other big name in Lisbon – Sporting. The 24 year old has 20 caps to his name, the first coming in 2011.
Midfield:
Sabella could potentially opt for three in the middle of the park to accommodate Angel Di María. The Real Madrid winger was the creator of 17 goals in all competitions this season.
The central midfield will more than likely be occupied by Barcelona's Javier Mascherano who would operate in a holding role. However, the 29 year old could also feature at centre back, a position he has regularly taken up at the Camp Nou.
The third and final midfielder could be one of Ever Banega of Newell's Old Boys, or Lazio's Lucas Biglia. Veterans Maxi Rodríguez and Fernando Gago could also feature.
Attack:
Argentina's front three promises to be a lethal one. On the left wing is captain Lionel Messi, who needless to say will start every game unless injured. Messi has been subject to much criticism over his performances on the international stage, however this is the ideal opportunity to silence the naysayers.
The right flank should be occupied by a third Manchester City player, in the shape of Sergio Aguero. The 25 year old claimed his place in City folklore when he scored the league winning goal against QPR two years ago and scored 17 and set up 6 in 23 league appearances for the club in the 2013-14 season.
Playing a centre forward role will be Napoli's Gonzalo Higuaín, who settled into Serie A quite nicely this season, netting on 17 occasions in his 32 league appearances, though Sabella also has the option of Paris Saint Germain front man Ezequiel Lavezzi.
The Group:
Argentina have been placed in Group F alongside African champions Nigeria, Iran and a Bosnia-Herzegovina side making their World Cup début. The group shouldn't pose many problems for La Albiceleste and they should easily progress to the knock-out stages.
Prediction: Semi-finals.
