Verdict: Under 2.5 goals
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
With all eyes falling on Buenos Aires in the early hours of Wednesday, Argentina will host bitter rivals Brazil for what is a heavyweight World Cup qualifying showdown.
Argentina
Starting with the hosts, making real history back in the winter of 2023 as they got their hands on a third world crown, Argentina have only further underlined their status as the greatest international side from across the globe. Getting the New Year underway with a gritty 1-0 victory away at Uruguay over the weekend, Lionel Scaloni’s men hold what is a commanding six-point buffer at the top of the qualifying standings. Looking to collect a heavyweight scalp against their arch-rivals in midweek, the South American icons will also be excited by a dominant recent record against Brazil. Landing a 1-0 win when they last met the Selecao for a World Cup qualifying showdown back in November 2023, they have won three of their previous four meetings by a 1-0 scoreline.
Argentina Team News
Shown a late red card against Uruguay over the weekend, Juventus star Nicolas Gonzalez will miss out through suspension here. In what was a heavyweight blow for Argentina last week, eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi was forced to withdraw from La Albiceleste’s squad due to a muscle injury.
Enjoying what has been a sensational run since completing a permanent switch from Manchester City last summer, Atletico Madrid marksman Julian Alvarez will spearhead Argentina’s charge. Settling for a spot on the bench against Uruguay on Friday night, Rodrigo de Paul could be handed a full recall.
Brazil
As for the visitors, snatching what was a dramatic last-gasp 2-1 victory against Colombia over the weekend, Brazil will be desperate to use that late flurry as a platform to build on. However, while the Selecao might be cruising their way towards a World Cup ticket this year, it is fair to say that Dorival Junior’s men have struggled to find any real stability over recent times. In fact, Wednesday’s guests have recorded consecutive victories across any competition on just a single occasion since way back in September 2023. Remarkably mustering just a sole win from any of their four Copa America showdowns last summer, Brazil also know the importance of finding some crucial defensive steel. Not recording a single victory against their arch-rivals since the summer of 2019, they have also registered just one clean sheet from their previous six qualifying appearances.
Brazil Team News
Picking up what was a costly first-half booking agency Colombia last week, Newcastle skipper Bruno Guimaraes will miss out through suspension here and has already returned to St. James’ Park. Making 24 Premier League appearances for Wolves this season, 23-year-old Andre could be handed a start in the middle of the park.
Suffering a reported concussion over the weekend, Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson will not feature here and should be replaced with Al-Nassr shot-stopper Bento. Notching eight Premier League goals with European chasers Brighton this year, Joao Pedro should keep his spot leading the line.
Argentina vs Brazil Key Factors to Consider
- When Argentina and Brazil last met for a World Cup qualifying showdown in November 2023, La Albiceleste collected a 1-0 victory on foreign soil.
- In fact, Argentina have won three of their previous four meetings against Brazil by a 1-0 scoreline.
- Argentina have not conceded a single goal in those four consecutive meetings against Brazil.
- The Selecao have recorded back-to-back victories across any competitions on just a single occasion since September 2023.
- Brazil have registered just a single clean sheet from any of their last six showdowns across all formats.
Conclusion
Winning three of their previous four meetings against their arch-rivals by a 1-0 scoreline, Argentina will be desperate to collect another heavyweight scalp here. Although we might be set for an all-star showdown in the early hours on Wednesday, the South American giants do have a habit of producing cagey contests. With each of the last seven consecutive meetings between Argentina and Brazil finishing with under 2.5 goals, we are expecting a similar outcome in Buenos Aires.
Verdict: Under 2.5 goals
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
