Argentina will return to World Cup qualifying action on Friday, September 6, hosting Chile at Estadio Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires. The reigning champions look to build on their impressive start in the Qualifiers, while Chile aim to secure a vital win to revive their campaign.
Argentina’s Dominant Run Continues | Home Win = 1.30
Argentina sit comfortably at the top of the South American standings with five wins from six qualifiers. They’ve been in excellent form, following up their World Cup triumph by winning the Copa America for an unprecedented 16th time this past July.
Lionel Scaloni’s men have been resilient, with their only qualifying loss coming in a 2-0 defeat to Uruguay, marking just their second defeat in 62 games since July 2019.
Playing on home soil, Argentina will be confident of securing another win, especially against a Chilean side that has struggled in recent times. With a 71.4% win rate under Scaloni, Argentina has established itself as one of the most dominant forces in world football.
Chile’s Struggles Continue | Away Win = 11.10
Chile, on the other hand, have had a tough start to their World Cup qualification campaign. Currently sitting eighth (8th) in the standings, La Roja have managed just one win in their six games so far in the Qualifiers, a 2-0 victory over Peru. Defeats to Uruguay, Venezuela, and Ecuador, coupled with lacklustre draws, have put them in a difficult position.
However, with just 6 of 18 Qualifiers played, the Chileans still have the opportunity to turn things around, which is what they hope to do with the appointment of Ricardo Garreca, the new manager. After a poor showing in Copa America where they crashed out in the group stage, Chileans are desperate for good news, and that could start with Gareca’s seventh game in charge.
Key Players & Team News
Argentina will be without their talisman Lionel Messi, who is sidelined with an ankle injury, and defenders Nicolas Tagliafico and Leonardo Balerdi. Angel Di Maria and Franco Armani have also retired from international football, leaving room for new players to step up.
Valentin Barco, the only natural left-back in the squad, is expected to start, while Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez will lead the attack.
Chile will be without several veterans, including Alexis Sanchez, Gary Medel, and Arturo Vidal. Coach Ricardo Gareca has opted for a fresh approach, leaving out these key players, while Eduardo Vargas and Ben Brereton Diaz are expected to lead the frontline.
Match Stats & Betting Odds | Draw = 5.05
Argentina have won five of their six World Cup qualifiers, conceding just two goals, while they have also won all their last five (5) games in all competitions. | Specials Market: Home win to nil (Yes) = 1.78
Chile have not lost to Argentina in their last two games as the away team (1-1, 1-1) while they also drew with them in their meeting before these two games, although that was at home (0-0). | Main Market: Under 2.5 = 1.89
Chile’s recent form has been poor, with just one win in their last five (5) matches in all competitions, where they managed to score in just two out of five games. | Specials Market: (O/U & GG/NG) Under 2.5 & No = 2.15
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