Read a full match preview of the World Cup 2010 Group B game between Argentina and Nigeria at the Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg on Saturday June 12 2010, kick-off 15.00 BST.

Group B
Argentina v Nigeria
Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg
Kick-off: Sat June 12, 3pm BST.
TV: BBC One 2.30pm, BBC HD 2.30pm

Roll up, the great Maradona circus comes to town. Against familiar opponents too.

It was against Nigeria 16 years ago that Maradona played his last World Cup game, guiding his team to victory in Boston before he was revealed to have failed a drugs test.

Now he is reinvented as a manager in charge of fantastic riches who really ought to have too much ammunition for a Super Eagles team which bears no comparison to the 90s' vintage. Being as accident-prone as he has been, though, no-one is taking anything for granted.

Touchline Duel

A classic, almost comical, contrast between the experience of a pragmatic, calm organised Swede Lars Lagerback and the emotional, unpredictable coaching novice Diego Maradona

Talking tactics

After going into the tournament expected to use a desperately unadventurous 4-4-2 system, based on the solidity of four centre backs patrolled by Javier Mascherano, Maradona seems to have plumped for a more risky 3-4-3. But his determination to utilise his attacking riches could see his back line exposed by the powerful double act of Yakubu and Obafemi Martins.

Key clash

Lionel Messi v Joseph Yobo: If Yobo, the lynchpin of the Nigerian defence, cannot organise the shackling of the world’s best player, Leo Messi, Nigeria’s hopes seem bleak.

What they say

Maradona: “I tell my players that 30 days of sacrifice for the chance to kiss the World Cup is nothing in the life of a man”

Lagerback: “I’m not fearful or intimidated by the thought of facing Messi. I think I know how to stifle Argentina.”

Previous meetings

P3: Argentina 2, Draws 1, Nigeria 0

1994 (Boston, WC): Argentina 2 Nigeria 1
1995 (Riyadh, Confederations Cup): Argentina 0 Nigeria 0
2002 (WC, Ibaraki): Argentina 1 Nigeria 0

Fact: Carlos Tévez has scored just nine goals for Argentina and only two in the World Cup, one in qualifying and one in the finals (in 2006).

Prediction: Argentina may have stuttered in qualifying but they have more world class players than most others. A win for Diego Maradona’s men.

Teams

Argentina (4-3-3): Romero, Gutierrez, Demichelis, Samuel, Heinze, Veron , Mascherano , Di Maria, Messi, Higuain, Tevez
Nigeria (4-3-3): Enyeama, Taiwo, Yobo Adelaye, Odiah, Odemwingie, Kaita, Etuhu, Obinna, Yakubu, Obasi
Referee: Wolfgang Stark (Germany)