Argentina vs Chile: World Champions Seek to Extend Dominance in 2026 FIFA WC Qualifiers

Argentina vs Chile: World Champions Seek to Extend Dominance in 2026 FIFA WC Qualifiers

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.

Argentina Men's National Team Lifting Copa America Trophy

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.

Chile Men's National Team at Copa America

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.

Argentina vs Chile - CONMEBOL FIFA WC Qualifiers

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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Portugal vs. Croatia: 2019 Champs Face-off Against 2023 Finalists as UEFA Nations League Kicks-Off

Portugal vs. Croatia: 2019 Champs Face-off Against 2023 Finalists as UEFA Nations League Kicks-Off

Portugal will kick off their 2024-25 UEFA Nations League campaign on Thursday, September 5, against a formidable Croatia side at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon.

This clash sees two of the tournament's most competitive teams, with Portugal having won the inaugural edition in 2019 and Croatia finishing as runners-up in 2023. 

Both teams will be eager to start their campaigns with a win, especially after disappointing Euro 2024 outings. Portugal will look to capitalize on home advantage, while Croatia aims to prove they can compete with Europe's best despite recent struggles.

Portugal Seeks Redemption | Home Win = 1.58

Portugal comes into this match after a mixed Euro 2024 campaign, where they exited in the quarter-finals after a penalty shootout loss to France. Despite their talent-rich squad, consistency has been an issue for Roberto Martinez’s side, highlighted by their shock 2-0 defeat to Georgia in their final group game of the competition.

Portugal team celebrating a goal

Martinez, who has called up Cristiano Ronaldo yet again, will be keen to see his team return to winning ways. The Portuguese squad has undergone some changes, with the introduction of young talents like Geovany Quenda, Renato Veiga, and Tiago Santos.

These fresh faces will be eager to make their mark, alongside veterans like Ronaldo, who continues to be a key figure in the team. Portugal’s home record and the attacking prowess of players like Ronaldo, Leao, and Bernado, will be crucial in breaking down a resilient Croatian defense.

Croatia Aims to Bounce Back | Away Win = 6.14

Croatia, on the other hand, also suffered disappointment at Euro 2024, failing to advance past the group stage. Zlatko Dalic’s men managed only two points from their three games, a far cry from their recent success, including a third-place finish at the 2022 World Cup and a runner-up spot in the 2023 Nations League.

Croatia team celebrating goal

Despite this, Croatia remains a formidable side, with experienced players like Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic still at the helm. The Croatians will be without key players Marcelo Brozovic and Domagoj Vida, both of whom have retired from international duty, leaving gaps in their squad.

Injuries to Lovro Majer and Josip Stanisic further complicates Dalic's plans, but the team’s resilience and tactical discipline should not be underestimated. Croatia will look to their experienced core to guide them through a challenging away fixture.

Key Players & Team News:

For Portugal, the focus will be on Cristiano Ronaldo, who is in search of his 131st international goal. The team will also rely on the midfield creativity of Bruno Fernandes and the defensive solidity provided by Ruben Dias and Joao Cancelo. The inclusion of young players like Quenda and Santos adds a dynamic element to the squad.

Portugal vs Croatia - UEFA Nations League

Croatia, though short-handed, still boasts a wealth of experience. Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic, and Mateo Kovacic are expected to lead the charge, while younger talents like Petar Sucic may be called upon to fill the gaps left by injuries.

Match Stats & Betting Odds | Draw = 4.28

Portugal and Croatia have a history of closely contested matches, with only one of their last six encounters being decided by more than a single goal. | Specials Market: Home/Away & Over 2.5 = 1.97

In their most recent Nations League meetings, Portugal secured a 3-2 and 4-1 victory, but Croatia avenged this loss with a 2-1 win in a friendly before Euro 2024, meaning there have been over 2.5 goals in their last three (3) meetings. | Main Market: Over 2.5 = 1.86

Both teams have scored in all the last four encounters between Portugal and Croatia in all competitions (2-1, 2-3, 4-1, 1-1). | Main Market: GG/NG (Yes) = 1.96

 

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Man United vs. Liverpool: English Football's “Fiercest Rivalry” Resumes at Old Trafford

Man United vs. Liverpool: English Football's “Fiercest Rivalry” Resumes at Old Trafford

Manchester United will host Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday, September 1, in what promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of England’s biggest and most successful clubs.

New Liverpool manager Arne Slot faces his biggest test yet after a dream start to life in the dugout for the away side with two out of two wins, while Erik ten Hag will be looking to reassert United's dominance after a shaky start.

Manchester United Looking to Bounce Back | Home Win = 3.87

Manchester United kicked off their season with a narrow 1-0 victory over Fulham, thanks to a late winner from new signing Joshua Zirkzee. However, their momentum was halted by a last-minute 2-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend, exposing some defensive frailties.

Manchester United Players Celebrating Goal

United will be keen to bounce back and regain confidence at Old Trafford, where they have lost just one of their last seven home league games. Ten Hag’s men have struggled for consistency in recent times, making their form unpredictable.

The Dutch manager faces a selection headache with some injuries and a host of new players who have not gotten into rhythm. The pressure will be on United to deliver against their fierce rivals, as another loss could see them fall behind early in the race for the top four.

Liverpool & Arne Slot Hoping Honeymoon Continues | Away Win = 1.91

Liverpool have enjoyed a strong start under Arne Slot, winning their first two Premier League matches against Ipswich Town and Brentford with identical 2-0 score lines in what feels like a honeymoon phase between the two parties.

Liverpool 2023/2024 starting line up team photo

The Reds have shown defensive solidity and attacking flair, with Slot becoming the first Liverpool manager in the Premier League era to win his first two top-flight matches. Liverpool’s consistency from the end of last season has carried over, as they have now lost only three of their last 33 league games.

Sunday’s match will be Slot’s toughest challenge so far, but the Merseysiders will be confident, given their recent record against United. Liverpool have lost just one of their last 12 Premier League meetings with the Red Devils and have scored 23 goals in the past seven league encounters.

Key Players & Team News:

Manchester United will have to cope without several first-team players due to injuries. Leny Yoro, Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, Rasmus Hojlund, Tyrell Malacia, and Victor Lindelof are all sidelined, limiting Ten Hag's options.

Man United's Ten Hag and Liverpool's Arne Slot

In contrast, Liverpool have no new injury concerns, although Curtis Jones remains a doubt for the trip to Manchester.

For United, much will depend on the performances of skipper Bruno Fernandes and young stars Garnacho and Armad Diallo, who will be tasked with breaking down a resilient Liverpool defense.

Liverpool’s attacking threat will be spearheaded by Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, and Luiz Diaz, while new signing Federico Chiesa may also play a crucial role.

Match Stats & Betting Odds | Draw = 4.37

Manchester United lead the all-time head-to-head record against Liverpool with 91 wins compared to Liverpool's 81, along with 70 draws in their 242 meetings. | Specials Market: Home/Draw & Over 1.5 = 2.17

Manchester United vs Liverpool - EPL Matchday 3

However, Liverpool have been dominant in this fixture over the last few seasons, losing just twice (2) in their last eight meetings against United in all competitions, and just thrice (3) in their last 14. | Specials Market: Away & Over 1.5 = 1.96

Liverpool have scored 23 goals in their last seven league meetings with United while there have been three (3) over 3.5 goals in the last five Man United vs Liverpool fixtures (2-2, 4-3, 7-0) with one (1) over 2.5 (0-3) | Main Market: Over 3.5 goals = 2.12

With both teams having something to prove, Sunday’s match is set to be a classic. Liverpool’s strong start and United’s need to respond make this a must-watch encounter. The outcome could provide early indications of where both teams stand in the Premier League pecking order this season.



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