Venezuela vs Argentina
Copa America
Date: Friday, 28 June 2019
Kick-off at 20:00 UK/ 21:00 CET
Venue: Maracanã (Rio de Janeiro)
Team News
Venezuela
Luis Del Pino seems to have lost his place in the team after being kicked out of the group stage, with Roberto Rosales and Ronald Hernandez now preferred as wing defenders. They have XI that is relatively settled besides that.
Argentina
The Copa America Argentina campaign is a mess and they need a 2-0 win over Qatar in their final group match to reach the knockout stages.
It seems logical for Argentina to mention the XI that has not changed, but nothing about the national team makes sense. Juan Foyth is reported to be moving to right-back, paving the way for the return of Germán Pezzella, while Marcos Acuna is expected to replace Rodrigo de Paul in midfield.
Preview
Considering their record in the previous meeting, 14 times Copa America champions Lionel Scaloni are usually the runaway favorites against one of only two South American countries who have never even reached the final.
However, it is difficult to have confidence given the inconclusive group stage appearance and a recent record of just 10 wins in 20 matches.
What's more, La Vinotinto ran out of 3-1 friendly winners in the last meeting in March, which means they have now gone through three matches without defeat against their more famous opponents.
Venezuela vs Argentina Head-to-head (h2h)
18 of the last 20 wins fell to Argentina.
The last four clashes resulted in goals from both teams.
The two teams have been arguing in the previous edition of this competition, and at the same stage too. Then the Albiceleste recorded a big 4-1 victory.
Only once did Argentina fail to score against this opponent.
Prediction of Venezuela vs Argentina
Now, facing pressure must be the norm for Argentine players. Every time they line up for a game, the players face close scrutiny from the world media and home fans.
They needed this victory, and the troops could thank their lucky stars, that they avoided facing tough Chilean customers so early in the tournament, which group winners, Colombia, would do.
Venezuela will not take a walk in the park though. They have transformed themselves into a good defense unit, and even the mighty Brazil failed to score against them. In addition, the former also had the confidence of a 3-1 victory just a few months ago against this same opponent.
Lionel Scaloni must arrange for his players to resist the Venezuelan attack and ensure clean sheets at any cost. The star-studded future experience at the elite level will benefit him doubled. What's more, the man finally found a way to use Paulo Dybala and Lionel Messi simultaneously.
Historically wise Albiceleste must make minced meat from this opposition. But the old world champion is a shadow of a team that once inspired terror. However, the fact that Venezuela only had seven wins from their last 30 matches gave them hope.
In addition, the despair experienced by players can be used positively to produce the best from them. Therefore, expect both teams to survive with high sincerity, and give a low scoring opportunity.
Scaloni's side must advance to the next round, and hold a semi-final match with Brazil, given their lack of experience at this competitive level.
Venezuela vs Argentina betting tips
Under 2.5 Match Goals @ 1.80 (4/5)
Argentina Wins @ 1.60 (3/5).
