Game : Scotland vs Argentina ( International Friendly)

Venue : Hampden Park, Scotland

Date : 19 November, 2008

Time : 20.00 UK Time

Diego Armando Maradona scored his first international goal at Hampden in 1979, and nearly three decades later, the Argentine legend returns to Scotland as he manages the Albicelestes for the first time.

Maradona will also recognise Scotland’s assistant manager Terry Butcher, who was one of England’s defenders on the pitch when he scored his wonder goal in the 1986 World Cup. Scotland are managed by former Derby boss George Burley, who is the same boat as his English number Fabio Capello when it comes to injuries. Sunderland stopper Craig Gordon is injured, so Allan McGregor takes his place between the sticks. Midfielders Darren Fletcher and James Morrison are injured, but Rangers skipper Barry Ferguson will start for the first time under George Burley. Forwards Ross McCormack, Steven Fletcher and Kenny Miller are also ruled out, which has seen Burley call up uncapped Lee Miller to the squad. Alan Hutton could start at rightback with Kirk Broadfoot making way for the Spurs defender. We’ll probably see McFadden and Chris Iwelumo start upfront.

Argentina have no major injury worries, and even without the versatile Lionel Messi, Maradona still has a strong squad to choose from. Messi has not been selected owing to an agreement between the Argentine FA and Barcelona, who allowed him to play in the Olympic Games in return for a pledge that he would rested for Argentina’s friendlies this season. Argentina are third in WC 2010 qualifying in Conmebol after their shock loss to Chile. Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano will captain Argentina in this game. A back four of Heinze, Coloccini, Burdisso and Zanetti is likely, with Juan Pablo Carrizo in goal. Upfront we’ll probably see Aguero partner Tevez, although Maradona has no lack of options with Ezequiel Lavezzi, German Denis and Lisandro Lopez also waiting in the wings.

Scotland have a bad record at Hampden. Since 1996, they have never won in international friendlies at the stadium, losing eight and drawing three of their games since then. Can Maradona start his managerial career with a win ? I think he can, and Argentina will win 2-0, with goals from Tevez and Aguero.