Arguably no team is facing greater expectation to perform than Lionel Messi's Argentina, who are a point behind Uruguay and Chile in fifth place.

The Albiceleste will be managed by Jorge Sampaoli for the first time in a competitive fixture and the pressure on the former Chile boss to succeed will be immediate.

Failure to win both of their upcoming matches against Uruguay and Peru will leave the two-time world champions in grave danger of missing football's showpiece tournament for the first time since 1970.

It could also shape Messi's legacy, with many believing the Barcelona forward needs to win the World Cup to be considered among the greatest players in history.

One of the major disappointments of the CONMEBOL campaign so far has been Ecuador. After a flying start to the qualifying rounds, Gustavo Quinteros' team have won just two of their past eight matches.

They face a daunting task to overcame Brazil away from home on Thursday before a home clash against Peru five days later.

The sense of urgency is even greater for Peru and Paraguay who, with 18 points apiece, can still mathematically qualify, though they will realistically be targeting fifth place, which would secure an intercontinental playoff berth.

Bolivia (10 points) and Venezuela (six points) are out of contention for a World Cup place.

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