Argentina vs Venezuela prediction: SOUTH AMERICA: World Championship – Qualification betting tips on match 2025-09-04 23:30.
[p]As the CONMEBOL qualification cycle for the 2026 FIFA World Cup nears an end, reigning kings of the globe Argentina host hopeful qualifiers Venezuela on matchday 17.[/p]
[p]Match News and Current Form[/p]
[p]Three-time World Cup winners Argentina tasted glory in Qatar three years ago, more recently lifted the Copa América trophy in 2024, and then Lionel Scaloni’s side wasted no time in qualifying for the 2026 edition by officially booking their spot in a 14th consecutive World Cup back in March. La Selección have won 11 of their 16 games in this qualifying cycle to date (D2, L3), and with top spot on the CONMEBOL table also already guaranteed, their task now is to keep building towards next summer’s showpiece event which takes place across the United States, Canada and Mexico.[/p]
[p]Venezuela are the only CONMEBOL nation yet to qualify for a World Cup, but travel to Buenos Aires for the penultimate matchday of this qualifying cycle still in with a chance of erasing that unwanted record. Headed up by Argentinian Fernando Batista, they begin this round sat seventh in the table having lost only six of their 16 qualifying games so far (W4, D6). That would be enough to earn them progression into the inter-confederation play-offs, though Bolivia are breathing down their necks one point behind. Buoyed by two victories in their last three outings (L1), anything La Vinotinto can pick up here against the odds would aid their cause greatly. Â Â [/p]
[p]Head-to-Head History[/p]
[p]Argentina have had greater success in the H2Hs, winning 24 of the 29 previous meetings (D3, L2). Venezuela did, however, earn a point from the reverse fixture last October (1-1).[/p]
[p]Hot Stats and Streaks[/p]
[p]Ten of Argentina’s 11 World Cup qualifier victories have been accompanied by a clean sheet.[/p]
[p]Just five of Argentina’s last 16 competitive games produced over 2.5 match goals.[/p]
[p]Each of Venezuela’s last nine wins have been accompanied by a clean sheet, including their four in qualifying.[/p]
[p]Of the 19 goals conceded by Venezuela in qualifying, 12 came between the 31st and 60th minutes.[/p]
[p]Key Players to Watch and Missing Players[/p]
[p]Eight of Julián Alvarez’s 13 goals for Argentina were recorded in the first half, including each of his last three during this qualifying cycle. Kevin Kelsy could make his Venezuela debut having been recalled after shining for Portland Timbers, with seven of his nine goals this term scored in the second half.[/p]
[p]Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández won’t feature for Argentina after his red card last matchday against Colombia, while Marseille’s Facundo Medina misses out through an ankle injury. Midfield duo Yangel Herrera and JosĂ© MartĂnez are likely injury absentees for Venezuela.[/p]
[p]For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.[/p]
[p]Betting Analysis[/p]
[p]Argentina have not frequently won heavily during this qualification cycle, and the visitors have shown resilience aplenty, so we recommend backing Venezuela with a 2+ goal handicap.[/p]
[p][i]Author: Ben Olawumi[/i][/p]