Argentina to record vital win over Venezuela
Jorge Sampaoli’s side currently find themselves in fifth spot in the South American section of qualifying. That means as it stands they would have to face a play-off to have any chance of qualification for Russia 2018.
However, such is the tight nature of the group that if Sampaoli’s side beat Venezuela on Wednesday in Buenos Aires, they could move up to second in the group.
Their team have struggled for results of late in qualifying.
A goalless draw with River Plate neighbours Uruguay was not a terrible result, considering the partisan crowd in Montevideo. However, anything but a win against Venezuela will be perceived as a disaster for the South American giants.
Argentina have a good recent home record in World Cup qualifiers, winning four of their last five qualifiers on home soil. They have also won eight of their last ten meetings with the visitors in all competitions, so that should add to their confidence heading into this seemingly comfortable clash.
Venezuela have endured a poor qualifying campaign and are rock bottom in the South American qualification section. In fact, Rafael Dudamel’s team have won just one of their last 16 games in World Cup qualifying.
The visitors have also failed to win any of their last ten away games in World Cup qualifying, suffering eight defeats in the process, including against Argentina back in 2013. They have failed to score in three of their last four away games in qualifying.
Forebet predicts that Argentina are set to record a crucial victory and move back into the automatic qualification spot for next year’s World Cup.