Venezuela v Argentina

Venezuela vs Argentina Preview

The previous two World Cup qualifiers did not go particularly well for Venezuela as the hosts failed to win either of their two games in the September period, suffering a heavy 4-0 loss away from home at Bolivia and drawing 0-0 at home with Uruguay, while Argentina produced mixed results after recording a 3-0 home win against Chile but then slipping to a disappointing 2-1 defeat away from home at Colombia.

Venezuela had earlier posted three wins on the trot in the Copa America tournament which saw the upcoming hosts pick up important wins against Ecuador, Mexico and Jamaica respectively and although they were eventually dumped out of the competition by Canada, it was only due to a loss on penalties.

The hosts have produced a mixed bunch of results in the current CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers as well, as Venezuela have captured just two wins but they have also picked up points in four draws and have slipped to just two defeats so far.

Wins against Paraguay and Chile have been offset by losses to Colombia and Bolivia and although they hold home advantage at their Estadio Monumental de Maturín, Fernando Batista's side look to have their work cut out when Argentina come to town.

Argentina still sit top of the South American CONMEBOL table but the visitors now only hold a slender looking two-point cushion over second placed Colombia heading into this upcoming encounter with Venezuela.

Defeat last time out away from home at Colombia saw their opponents avenge their recent Copa America loss to the Argentinians but it also put an end to Lionel Scaloni's side's dominance in recent times as their previously impressive 12-match unbeaten sequence came to an abrupt halt.

On the World Cup qualifying stage, Argentina have slipped to two defeats already which have come in the shape of losses to Uruguay and Colombia, but the current World Cup holders have also picked up six wins within their opening eight qualifiers to remain top of the CONMEBOL table.

Argentina also possess a solid record away from home in World Cup qualifiers as the visitors have suffered just the single defeat within their previous 14 outings on their travels within South America, whilst collecting no fewer than nine wins along the way as well.

Within these last 14 away games in World Cup qualifiers, Argentina have kept a total of seven clean sheets along with scoring two goals or more on eight occasions which places Luis Scaloni's side in a strong position ahead of this upcoming clash.

Venezuela v Argentina Verdict

Argentina have also won each of the last three meetings on the trot against Venezuela and the visitors are expected to record another victory here as well.

Therefore, our main bet will be Argentina win @ 1.55

Other side bets worth considering:

Argentina win & Under 2.5 goals @ 3.10

Correct Score: Argentina 1-0 @ 5.50