Vickery excited by Argentina visit

The Boleyn Ground will be alive with noise and colour come Wednesday evening, when Argentina face Croatia in a mouth-watering international friendly.

The home of West Ham United is set to swing to a South American beat, with Lionel Messi, former Hammers Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano and company set to appear in east London.

Argentine football expert Tim Vickery says West Ham fans should not miss the chance to watch the 2014 FIFA World Cup runners-up in action in their own historic stadium.

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"Argentina's fans were the highlight of the recent World Cup," Vickery told the Official Programme for Wednesday's 7.45pm kick-off. "There are enough London-based Argentines to produce a wonderful atmosphere at the Boleyn Ground - I hope they can bring their drums into the ground, because with the rhythm pounding away those songs stay fixed in your head. It should be a memorable night."

Vickery, who is based in South America and contributes regularly on British television and radio, is also among those who are looking forward to seeing Tevez make his return to the Club he served so well in 2006/07.

The Juventus forward could make his first Argentina appearance since 2011 - an event which both Vickery and the supporters of La Albiceleste are no doubt relishing.

"He's been out for more than three years now, since the 2011 Copa America," Vickery confirmed. "With his idol status back home, that's been a very big issue in Argentina. New coach Gerardo Martino had given signs over recent months that Tevez would be brought back, and has hinted that he will start this game. How appropriate, then, that it's at the Boleyn Ground!

"Originally Argentina were going to play Ecuador in Madrid, but that fell through, and so Tevez has a chance to resume his career on one of his old homes before heading for another, Old Trafford, for the game against Portugal on the 18 November.

"Tevez is 30 now, and his international record is not great - 13 goals in 64 games. It looks like he's competing for one place with Aguero and Higuain, so the pressure is on him to form a good on-field relationship with Messi, which has proved a problem in the past."

*You can read the full interview with Tim Vickery in Wednesday's Official Programme, which is available to order online now for just £3.50.

Tickets for the match are on General Sale now and are available directly from West Ham United.

Standard Ticket prices start from £25 for Adults and £15 for Over-65s and Under-16s. Disabled Ticket prices are the same, including a complimentary carer. Family Tickets priced at £60 for two Adults and two Under-16s are also available in the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand Upper.

Demand for tickets for this exciting fixture is expected to be high, so fans are urged to book early to avoid disappointment.

To make sure of your seat now, click here, call 0871 529 1966 (calls cost 10p/min plus network extras) or buy in person at the Alpari Stand Ticket Office.

Corporate hospitality packages are also available, with Executive Boxes available for just £1,250 plus VAT and lounge packages starting from only £60 per person plus VAT. To book a package now, please 0871 091 1911 (calls cost 10p/min plus network extras).

The Stadium Store will also be open late on Wednesday evening, giving Hammers fans the opportunity to complete some early Christmas shopping!