Colombia vs Chile
South American – FIFA World Cup Qualifiers 2018
Date: Thursday, 10th November 2016,
Kick Off at 20:30 UK.
Venue: Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Melendez, Barranquilla.
Colombia can take a big step towards qualifying for the 2018 World Cup by beating Chile at the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Melendez in Barranquilla on 10 November.
Where to watch
Kick-off is set for 8.30pm GMT. The game is not scheduled for live broadcast in the UK.
Overview
Colombia are fourth in the Conmebol standings heading into their World Cup qualifying clash with Chile, who are one point behind in fifth. Jose Pekerman's side have only won one of their last three World Cup qualifiers – a 1-0 away victory over Paraguay on 6 October.
Pekerman has no major injury concerns for the match in Barranquilla.
Arturo Vidal scored twice as Chile beat Peru 2-1 in Santiago in their last World Cup qualifier on 11 October. The defending Copa America champions are level on points and goal difference with Argentina, but are ahead of the two-time World Cup winners on the Conmebol table by virtue of their superior scoring record.
Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez has a light muscle strain and is unlikely to feature for the visitors.
What managers say
Jose Pekerman: "[Radamel] Falcao has always been a key player in the national team. Unfortunately his injury kept him out of the last World Cup. Now we're in another stage and, after a time-out, he is finding his best form. You have to start from bottom to top. Hopefully he can find his best form and realise his highest expectations."
Juan Antonio Pizzi: "[Alexis Sanchez] is very important, but we are working to find ways to replace him. Not having Alexis is a reality to face, but we rely on the entire group. He is recovering and will continue with La Roja."
Colombia vs Chile: Head-to-Head Stats
The teams settled for a 1-1 draw when they met in the first leg of the qualifier at the Santiago de Chile on November 2015.
They met recently in the Copa America Centenario tournament on June 2016, where Chile eliminated Colombia in the semifinals with a 2-0 win.
Chile are unbeaten in the last three meetings with Colombia and also hold a good head-to-head record with 4 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss in the last 7.
The Colombian side are also win-less in their last 4 home games against Chile as they lost and drew 2 each.
Colombia vs Chile: Prediction
Colombia are performing well at home as they have won 3, drawn 1 and lost 1. They have also kept three clean sheets during the period. While Chile tend to flop against disciplined sides in away games. The only positive for Chile at the moment is their recent head-to-head record against Colombia.
However, both managers will be keen to avoid a defeat here rather than looking for a win. Because of the higher significance of the match due to their positions at the edge of the qualification zone. Whoever loses the Thursday’s clash will go into the next round with considerable pressure. While the winner can move close to the second placed Uruguay. Due to the above reasons, this fixture between Colombia and Chile is more likely to end in a scored draw.
Colombia vs Chile: Betting Tips
Full-time Result: Draw at 3.80 (14/5)
Correct Score: 1-1 at 7.00 (6/1).
