Chile will take on Bolivia in the latest round of South American World Cup qualifying on Tuesday, 10 September in a match that has suddenly become very important for both sides.
Chile slumped to yet another defeat earlier in the week, losing to Argentina in a result that has left them second from bottom in the current qualification standings.
Meanwhile, Bolivia enjoyed a thumping 4-0 win over Venezuela which has put them one place above Chile in the standings and within touching distance of the coveted top six spots.
How the bookies view it: Chile go in as heavy favourites
Despite now being below Bolivia in the qualification standings, Chile have been priced as the heavy favourites for this match. A win for Chile has been priced at 1/4 with Betfred while a victory for Bolivia has been priced at 9/1. The draw, which would be another productive result for the visitors, has been priced at 4/1.
Recent head-to-head: Advantage Chile
Chile being the odds-on favourites for this match becomes more understandable when you take a look at the recent record between the two teams. Chile are undefeated in their last five matches against Bolivia with three wins and two draws.
Bolivia's last victory over Chile came in a home match back in 2017 but they have never tasted victory on Chilean soil meaning the current squad are chasing history as well as three points on Tuesday night.
Players to watch: A match for experienced heads
This is far from a vintage Chile side but they are currently in a period of transition with the likes of Arturo Vidal and Gary Medel currently being phased out for fresher blood. Alexis Sanchez, who is still being considered for selection, is also missing here due to injury.
Despite the average age of the squad coming down considerably, their most likely goalscorer on Tuesday night will be Eduardo Vargas. The 34-year-old made his 101st appearance for Chile in the loss to Argentina but he is still scoring goals at a decent rate in Brazil for Atletico MG.
Leading the line for Bolivia will be Carmelo Algaranaz. While he is six years younger than Vargas, he is still one of the most experienced players in what is a young Bolivia squad. He found the back of the net in the win over Venezuela and they will be leaning on him again on Tuesday night.
Predicted line-ups
There could be a couple of changes to the Chile team that lost to Argentina with Marcelino Nunez ruled out due to accumulating too many yellow wards. On the flip side, Gabriel Suazo is available again after serving his own suspension.
Bolivia will be forced into some changes too as Henry Vaca was forced with an injury against Venezuela. Hector Cuellar and Ramiro Vaca will also miss out after picking up yellow cards in the win.
Chile: Arias – Isla, Catalan, Diaz, Suazo – Osorio, Alarcon, Echeverria – Loyola, Davila, Vargas
Bolivia: Lampe – Medina, Sagredo, Haquin, Suarez, Fernandez – Matheus, Villamil – Miguelito, Chavez, Algaranaz
Anything else catch the eye?
Chile haven't scored a goal in any of their last four matches which doesn't exactly bode well ahead of Tuesday night. However, the fact Bolivia have shipped 16 times across their last six matches should give them some encouragement. Over 2.5 goals to be scored has been priced at 8/11 with Betfred.
This World Cup match between Chile and Bolivia will be played on Sep 10, 2024 and kick off at 22:00. Check below for our tipsters best Chile vs Bolivia prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
