Argentina will be looking to snap out of a mini slump as they host Bolivia in a CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier. The Bolivians have looked sharp lately but often struggle against the reigning world champions, who are expected to claim a comfortable victory on Friday.
Argentina were held to a 1-1 draw by Venezuela last time out in the qualifiers, with Nicolas Otamendi’s early effort cancelled out by the hosts. That result means Lionel Scaloni’s men are now winless in their last two matches having suffered a 2-1 defeat to Colombia in their previous fixture.
The good news for Argentina is that they remain top of the standings and are returning home having been away in their last two matches. They have won three of their four home matches in the qualifiers, keeping clean sheets in all three wins.
While Argentina are looking slightly out of sorts, Bolivia appear to have found their rhythm in recent times. Oscar Villegas’ men have won their last three matches and have now moved up to sixth on the standings.
Bolivia travel to Argentina off the back of a 1-0 victory over Colombia in their previous fixture. It was a battling performance from the hosts they held on for the win despite playing much of the contest with 10 men.
How the bookies view it: Argentina overwhelming favourites
Argentina have been installed as overwhelming favourites and are priced at 1/33 by Betfred to claim the win. A victory for Bolivia is valued at 25/1 while Betfred is also offering odds of 10/1 for a draw.
Head to head: Argentina always win
Argentina have a 14-2 advantage with four draws from 20 previous matches against Bolivia. The reigning Copa America champions have also won the last four meetings and claimed a 3-0 victory in the reverse fixture back in September.
Players to watch: Eyes on Argentina’s attack
Argentina have plenty of quality in attack and will be led by Lionel Messi once again. Lautaro Martinez has seven goals in his last 10 international appearances and can help the hosts produce over 2.5 goals at 2/5 with Betfred.
The Argentines are equally solid at the back and have kept clean sheets in three of their last four home matches in the qualifiers. Otamendi and Lisandro Martinez should feature at the back and can help the hosts to another clean sheet at 1/3 with Betfred.
Probable line-ups
Argentina are likely to ring in the changes with Martinez pushing for a start after coming off the bench last time out. Alexis McCallister could also be included in the starting line-up after sitting out the draw in Venezuela.
Bolivia will be without Hector Cuellar, who is suspended after being sent off against Colombia. Adalid Terrazas is likely to come in for the midfielder while Carmelo Algaranaz should lead the line once again.
Argentina: Rulli, Molina, Otamendi, Martinez, Tagliafico, Fernandez, Lo Celso, De Paul, McCallister, Messi, Martinez
Bolivia: Viscarra, Medina, Haquin, Suarez, Sagredo, Terrazas, Vaca, Matheus, Chura, Terceros, Algaranaz
Anything else catch the eye?
Argentina have struck early in their last three meetings with Bolivia and could be set for a goal within 10 minutes at 11/5 by Betfred. The hosts are likely to be dominant on Wednesday and could be backed in the -3 handicap market at 13/10 with Betfred.
With a one-sided clash expected on Wednesday, Argentina can be backed to win both halves at 8/15 by Betfred.
This World Cup match between Argentina and Bolivia will be played on Oct 16, 2024 and kick off at 01:00. Check below for our tipsters best Argentina vs Bolivia prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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