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The international break features another set of matches this week as Venezuela take on Lionel Messi and Lionel Scaloni's Argentina side in an important CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier at the Estadio Monumental de Maturin on Thursday. The two teams have experienced contrasting fortunes this year and will want to win this game.
Venezuela vs Argentina Preview
Venezuela are in sixth place in the CONMEBOL qualification standings and have stepped up to the plate over the past year. The home side played out a 0-0 stalemate against Uruguay last month and will need to take it up a notch in this fixture.
Argentina, on the other hand, are at the top of the qualification table and have been in exceptional form in recent months. The Albiceleste suffered a damaging 2-1 defeat at the hands of Colombia in their previous game and will need to bounce back this week.
Venezuela vs Argentina Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- Argentina have an excellent historical record against Venezuela and have won 24 out of the 28 matches played between the two teams, as opposed to Venezuela's two victories.
- Argentina were on an unbeaten run of 12 matches on the trot in all competitions before they suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Colombia last month - they had scored 24 goals in these 12 games.
- Venezuela have won only one of their last eight matches against Argentina in all competitions, with their only such victory during this period coming by a 3-1 scoreline in 2019.
- Venezuela are winless in their last three matches in all competitions, with their previous victory coming by a 3-0 scoreline against Jamaica in the group stage of the 2024 Copa America.
Venezuela vs Argentina Prediction
Argentina have been one of the best teams on the international stage under Lionel Scaloni and will be intent on keeping their place at the top of the table. Lionel Messi is set to return to the starting lineup this week and will look to add to his goal tally in this match.
Venezuela have blown hot and cold over the past year and cannot afford to put a foot wrong in this match. Argentina are the better team and should be able to win this game.
Prediction: Venezuela 0-2 Argentina
Venezuela vs Argentina Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Argentina to win
Tip 2: Game to have over 2.5 goals - No
Tip 3: Argentina to keep a clean sheet - Yes
Tip 4: Lionel Messi to score or assist - Yes
