Venezuela vs Argentina prediction, lineups, betting tips and odds

La Albiceleste won six of eight qualifying games.

CONMEBOL 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers resume with a clash between world and South American champions Argentina and Venezuela in round nine. The guests are at the top of the table with 18 points from six wins in eight games. La Albiceleste are expected to find an answer and get back to winning ways after losing to Colombia in their last game.

Venezuela, on the other hand, has had a decent performance in qualifying so far. They are in sixth place in the table. They are ten points ahead of Brazil, level on points.

La Vinotinto wants to make history by taking part in the first World Cup and is well on its way to achieving this. The fact that they have gone undefeated in six of their eight games speaks volumes about what they bring to the table.

Start

Friday, October 11, 2:30 am IST

Venue: Estadio Monumental de Maturín, Venezuela

Form

Venezuela (in all competitions): DLDWW

Argentina (in all competitions): LWWWW

Players to watch

Salomon Rondon (Venezuela)

The striker has been one of Venezuela’s most consistent players over the years. He is known for his exploits in front of goal, high pressing and leadership qualities. Rondon is Venezuela’s all-time top scorer with 44 goals in 108 international appearances, including two goals in qualifying. Expect him to take the lead for his team here.

Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Lionel Messi returns to the national team for the first time since his injury in the Copa America final in July. The Argentine star appeared to be in top form and heads into the break having won the MLS Supporters’ Shield with Inter Miami. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has already scored three goals in qualifying and will be keen to get going after a long absence from the national team.

Compare facts

• Messi scored 11 goals for La Albiceleste against Venezuela
• La Albiceleste has not lost a game against Venezuela since 2019
• Their biggest win against Venezuela was an 11-0 win in 1975

Venezuela vs Argentina: Betting Tips and Odds

• Tip 1: Argentina wins – 1/2 from SkyBet
• Tip 2: They should win with a clean sheet – 11/8 from Betfair
• Tip 3: They should win by 2 goals – 7/2 from Bet365

Injuries and team news

Venezuela is expected to have a fully operational squad to choose from.

Paulo Dybala and Alejandro Garnacho are out through injury, while Cristian Romero and Emiliano Martinez are out for Argentina due to suspension.

Head to head

Total games played – 28

Venezuela wins – 2

Argentina wins – 24

Draw – 2

Expected lineup

Venezuela (4-1-4-1)

Romo (GK); Armaburu, Osorio, Ferraresi, Navarro; casseroles; Bello, Martinez, Segovia, Seteldo; Rondon

Argentina (4-4-2)

Rulli (GK); Montiel, Otamendi, Martinez, Acuna; De Paul, Paredes, Fernandez, Gonzalez; Alvarez, Messi

Venezuela vs Argentina prediction

Venezuela has held firm so far, but this clash will be the toughest. Argentina are expected to get back on track and secure an away win.

Prediction: Venezuela – Argentina 0:2

Television broadcast for Venezuela against Argentina

India – Fan code

UNITED KINGDOM: Fanaticism

USA: Fanaticism

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