Venezuela are set to take on Argentina as South American qualifying for the 2026 World Cup continues this week.
The match is arguably more important for the hosts as they currently occupy the final qualification spot so every point is vital for them.
Argentina, meanwhile, will feel as if they have already qualified for the tournament as they sit on top of the pile on 18 points after eight matches. A win here would ensure they stay top at the halfway point of qualification.
How the bookies view it: The hosts are the underdogs
The bookies believe that Venezuela have it all to do on Thursday night with Argentina being priced as the favourites despite being the away team. A win for Venezuela has been priced at 5/1 while a victory for Argentina has been priced at 1/2. The draw, which would be a welcome result for the hosts, has been priced at 11/4.
Recent head-to-head: Advantage Argentina
Argentina have an impressive recent record against Venezuela which will fill them with confidence ahead of this one. They have won their last three matches against Venezuela and have lost just one of the last eight. The hosts' last win over Argentina was in a friendly in 2019 while their last competitive victory over them was all the way back in 2011.
Players to watch: The return of the GOAT
Lionel Messi was missing from action during the last international break but he returns to the Argentina squad for the upcoming matches against Venezuela and Bolivia and will be itching to pull on the famous Blue and White stripes once again.
At this stage of his career, playing for his country is now seemingly Messi's priority. At his peak, he put more emphasis on performing for Barcelona and picking up trophies at club level but his transition into being an international specialist in recent years has been heartwarming to see.
The slow pace of MLS football has allowed him to stay as fresh as possible for Argentina and as long as he is open to selection, Lionel Scaloni is going to select and start him. Messi has scored five goals and provided six assists in eleven appearances against Venezuela in his career so logic tells us he will secure a goal contribution on Thursday.
Predicted line-ups
Venezuela have some concerns at the back with Teo Quintero and Jhon Chancellor both ruled out due to injuries. Argentina are set to be without three players after Paulo Dybala, Nicolas Gonzalez and Alejandro Garnacho all pulled out of the squad after initially being selected.
Venezuela: Romo – Aramburu, Osorio, Ferraresi, Navarro – Bello, Martinez, Casseres, Segovia, Soteldo – Rondon
Argentina: Rulli – Molina, Otamendi, Romero, Tagliafico – Mac Allister, De Paul, Fernandez – Alvarez, Martinez, Messi
Anything else catch the eye?
Venezuela have been dogged at home in recent times and they have kept a clean sheet in each of their last five matches on home soil. While it will take a huge effort to make it six in a row given Argentina's options up front, this won't be a massacre. Under 2.5 goals to be scored has been priced at 4/6 by Betfred.
This World Cup match between Venezuela and Argentina will be played on Oct 10, 2024 and kick off at 22:00. Check below for our tipsters best Venezuela vs Argentina prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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