Venezuela Vs. Argentina: Preview, Prediction, Betting Tips, And Live Streaming


Competition: CONMEBOL 2018 World Cup Qualifiers South America
Date: 6 September 2016
Kick off: 8 p.m. local time
Venue: Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano de Merida

Venezuela: Team News

Venezuela were thoroughly beaten in their last game against Columbia. James Rodriguez inspired the home side as the Real Madrid forward scored a goal, and also adding an assist to his name.
Venezuela fielded a strong side in the game with Salomon Rondon leading the attack and Tomas Rincon pulling the strings from midfield, but they were outplayed by the Columbia completely. Against Argentina, Venezuela has to give a much better performance if they are to avoid an embarrassing defeat at their home ground.

Venezuela: Predicted Line-Up (4-2-3-1)

Hernandez –Vizcarrondo, Rosales, Villanueva, Garcia –Rincon, Figuera, Anor, Penaranda — Rondon, Martinez

Argentina: Team News

Argentina will be without Lionel Messi against Venezuela as the striker picked up a groin injury in the game versus Uruguay. The Barcelona wizard announced his return from a short international retirement emphatically, scoring the only goal in the game, which propelled Argentina top of the table in South American World Cup qualifiers. Messi was the catalyst of Argentina attack during the game, dictating the play from the deep and moving forward to finish chances.

The five times Ballon d’Or winner mesmerized the Argentinean crown with some magical dribbling, touch, vision and incredible passing range, and justified once again why he is regarded by many as the best player of all time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUlgagvVfII

Fortunately for Venezuela, they don’t have to face Messi in their coming match.

Argentina’s another forward Paulo Dybala will also miss the game against Venezuela. The young forward picked up two yellow cards; thus he was sent off, just before half time.

Argentina showed resilience in the second half of the game despite playing with a man down.

Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani had a poor game as the duo could not capitalize their team’s numerical advantage against Argentina.

Coach Edgardo Bauza will be concerned whom to play forward in the game against Venezuela, as both Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain are absent from the squad. The latter was not picked by Bauza despite moving to Juventus in a €94 million deal (around 105 million dollars) this summer, making the forward the third expensive player in football history. But after injury and suspension of key players, the coach could regret his decision.

It is expected Tottenham’s forward Eric Lamela and Di Maria will lead the line against Venezuela, despite the fact both players are wingers by trade.

Argentina: Predicted Line-Up (4-2-3-1)

Romero — Zabaleta, Ottamendi, Funes Mori, Mas — Mascherano, Banega, Biglia, Pratto — Di Maria, Lamela

Venezuela vs. Argentina: Betting Tips

  1. Venezuela win: 9/2
  2. A draw: 11/4
  3. Argentina win: 9/13
  4. Both teams to score: 10/11
  5. Both teams fail to score: 4/5
  6. Di Maria to get on score sheet
  7. Argentina to keep a clean sheet

[Odds via Paddypower]

Venezuela vs. Argentina: Head-To-Head

It is no surprise that the two-time world champions, Argentina, have dominated this fixture. The last 21 games between the two teams saw Argentina come out on top an astonishing 20 times. On one occasion, Venezuela came out as winners, in 2011 Copa America tournament.

Last time these two teams met was in Copa America Centenario 2016. Argentina won the game 4-1, thanks to Lionel Messi’s masterclass performance, the forward scoring a goal and registering further two assists.

Venezuela vs. Argentina: Prediction

Venezuela is currently at the bottom of the qualifiers table whereas Argentina lead the group having 14 points from seven games. In spite of the absence of their talisman Lionel Messi, Argentina is head and shoulders above their counterparts. It is very much likely that Venezuela will approach the game just to take a point against Argentina, the best team in the world according to latest FIFA rankings. But Argentina’s solid performance against Uruguay in the last game suggests they will stroll past Venezuela.

Final Predicted Score: Venezuela 0-3 Argentina

Venezuela vs. Argentina: Live Streaming

You can watch the match Venezuela vs. Argentina online, by clicking on this link.

The link will be updated just before kick off.

[Photo by Eduardo Di Baia/AP Images]

Share this article: Venezuela Vs. Argentina: Preview, Prediction, Betting Tips, And Live Streaming
More from Inquisitr