It’s the 16th round of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers. The game will take place at Estadio Monumental (Buenos Aires, Argentina). Ten teams compete against each other in a double round-robin tournament (18 rounds). The top-6 qualify directly, and the 7th will have to go through the playoffs.
What We Know
- The first match ended in Colombia - Argentina 2-1.
- Five of the last seven duels between these two saw under 2.5 goals.
- Four straight wins for Argentina, having taken the lead first in their last 7 games.
- Colombia are winless in 5 games.
Betting Tip Argentina - Colombia
Colombia are desperate for points, while Argentina have already clinched their World Cup spot. It’s hard to see the Albiceleste be motivated enough for a win, and we will go with the Colombians and their highly motivated disposition. Colombia to win or draw offers appealing odds.
- Betting tip: Colombia win or draw
- Odds: 2.10 (at the time of writing)
- Stake: 5
Argentina
Everyone knew Argentina were something of a shoo-in for the World Cup. From the very beginning of the qualifiers, they were the best team and left no room for anyone else to try and challenge for first place. They also don’t seem interested in letting go of their intensity for the remainder of the games; they’ve won four straight games, including a 4-1 triumph over Brazil, and a 1-0 victory against Chile (a few days ago).
They seek to continue the streak, this time perhaps seeking revenge against Colombia for the 2-1 loss they suffered in the first matchup. Argentina are obviously talented enough to make it five wins in a row, and the stats back that up. They are the best attack in the group (27 goals) and the second-best defence (just 8 conceded). They have a 6-0-1 home record, and a 16-3 goal differential in these games.
Colombia
Their dominant 4-0 win against Chile in October was the last time Colombia tasted victory. Since then, a five-game winless skid has brought them to 21 points and 6th place - it is likely they will remain there until the end. A defeat at Argentina is perhaps likely, and, in that case, there will be little margin for error in the last two games. Of course, they will be hoping for Venezuela to falter away at Uruguay.
If the Venezuelans manage at least a point, they will bring the gap down to two points (in case Argentina defeats Colombia), and the Colombians will be in danger of failing to qualify directly for the World Cup.
They will try to at least score in the game against Argentina, but it’s hard to see them keeping a clean sheet. They concede around a goal per game on average (14 total), and they score just over one of their own (18 total). Their away record is rather poor (1-3-3, 5-7 goal differential).
