Basile Tinkers With Argentina Formation

Argentina coach Alfio Basile is thought to be considering a 4-3-3 formation for Argentina's upcoming World Cup qualifiers, reverting from his usual 4-1-2-1-2 setup.

With Hernan Crespo back in the squad, Basile was left with a decision whether to drop Carlos Tevez in favour of a return for the Inter Milan striker. With Tevez in such good form at club level, it seems Basile does not want to leave him out of the team and will therefore play both him and Crespo in a three-pronged attack with Lionel Messi.

In training yesterday they lined up with three up front; Federico Insua in the hole behind them; and Cambiasso and Mascherano in defensive midfield positions. Juan Riquelme sat out the session due to a cold, but is expected to take the place held by Insua once he has recovered.

Argentina play Bolivia in the first of two qualifiers in this international period and although Basile looks certain to use this attacking formation against Erwin Sanchez's team, it remains to be seen whether he will continue with it against the tougher opposition of Colombia in the second game.