Colombia vs Argentina prediction: SOUTH AMERICA: World Championship – Qualification betting tips on match 2024-09-09 20:30.
[p]Just a couple of months on from losing in the Copa América final, Colombia have the chance to take revenge against the reigning world and South American champions, Argentina, in CONMEBOL World Cup Qualification (WCQ) action. That wouldn’t be the greatest shock in the world as the bookmakers struggle to separate these two competitive nations ahead of this meeting, especially with Colombia returning to Barranquilla unbeaten so far in this qualification cycle (W3, D4). [/p]
[p]Maintaining that unbeaten streak could be fate, as Colombia’s previous unbeaten WCQ cycle also came ahead of the last tournament held in the USA in 1994. Born in Buenos Aires and formerly assistant manager of the Argentinian setup, Colombia boss Néstor Lorenzo will hope to use his inside knowledge to aid his side improving on what is already a solid ten-game run of home form (W4, D5, L1).  [/p]
[p]The first game in that run of Colombian home form was a 2-2 draw against Argentina, in which the visitors gave up a quickfire 2-0 lead. This time around they’ll be without the services of Lionel Messi due to injury, but even that didn’t stop La Albiceleste from continuing their march to USA 2026 with a 3-0 win over Chile to kick off this international break, solidifying their place at the top of the CONMEBOL WCQ standings (W6, L1).[/p]
[p]Argentinian boss Lionel Scaloni will undoubtedly expect a continuation of that form, especially seeing as they haven’t lost an away WCQ encounter since a 2-0 defeat in Bolivia way back in 2017 (W9, D4). In fact, they’ve won their last three WCQ away games, twice against sides ending the game with a red card.[/p]
[p]Players to watch: Luis DĂaz saved Colombia’s blushes with a late equaliser last time out, taking the Liverpool star’s tally to an incredible five goal contributions across his last three appearances for club and country, including three team opening goals (G4, A1). Argentina’s Giovani Lo Celso set up the winner in the 2024 Copa AmĂ©rica final and also assisted after coming on as a substitute last week, meaning his last five international goal contributions have come beyond half-time (G1, A4). [/p]
[p]Hot stat: Argentina haven’t fallen behind in any of their last ten WCQ encounters on the road, a run stretching back to 2020. [/p]
[p][i]Written by Matthew Billon[/i][/p]