We take a look at round 17 of the 2018 World Cup CONMEBOL qualifiers, which resume on Thursday the 5th of October 2017.
It’s that time of the year again where we turn our attention to the international side of the ‘beautiful game’. With just two rounds of football to go, only Brazil have cemented their place at next year’s World Cup in Russia.
Bolivia and Venezuela are the only teams without any hope of qualifying, while the rest are set to battle it out for the remaining three places, as well as the play-off position. It’s all set to go down to the wire so stay tuned to find out what’s hot and what’s not.
Thursday 5 October
Bolivia 29/10 | Draw 51/20 | Brazil 9/10 (22:00)
Bolivia only have pride at stake, while Brazil will most likely field a mixture of their regular starters and some of their fringe players. The Estadio Hernando Siles stadium is one of the most difficult places to play at, with the altitude at 3,637 metres (11,932 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest professional stadiums in the world.
La Verde beat Paraguay (1-0), Argentina (2-0) and then Chile (1-0) in their last three home games and will be hoping to make it four wins on the spin. Brazil have been outstanding with 11 wins from 16 matches, scoring 38 goals and conceding just 11 times. Nonetheless, the Samba Boys will most likely not be at full strength so I suggest getting on the Bolivia win/draw Double Chance at 8/10.
Venezuela 4/1 | Draw 28/10 | Uruguay 13/20 (23:00)
Venezuela are placed at the bottom of the CONMEBOL standings with just one win from 16 matches. Their opponents, Uruguay, might be second on the log but that can all change in the blink of an eye with the rest of the pack hot on their heels and ever-ready to take their place.
La Celeste haven’t been at their best and they are likely to struggle but this one could go either way. However, this is a must-win game for Uruguay and I feel they have a quality team capable of rising up for the all-important victory.
Friday 6 October
Chile 4/10 | Draw 38/10 | Ecuador 13/2 (01:30)
Chile were extremely disappointing last time out, suffering back-to-back defeats without scoring and conceding four times. The reigning Copa America champions currently find themselves in danger of not qualifying for the 2018 World Cup and will be desperate to return to winning ways.
Ecuador have been dismal with four straight defeats and to make matters worse, they have lost the last three meetings away to Chile. A cagey affair is expected but La Roja are tipped to capitalize on home advantage.
Argentina 1/4 | Draw 5/1 | Peru 10/1 (01:30)
Argentina and Peru will go toe-to-toe on Friday morning in what promises to be an entertaining encounter. La Albiceleste have been nowhere near their best and will be under pressure to come out on top.
Peru have been impressive with three wins on the trot and will be looking to maintain that form. However, I just don’t see them getting one over Lionel Messi and co. Get on the home team to claim maximum points.
Colombia 4/10 | Draw 34/10 | Paraguay 7/1 (01:30)
Colombia are unbeaten in their last six matches in all competitions, including a solid 1-1 draw against Brazil last time out.
Paraguay were brilliant in their last match on the road, thrashing Chile 3-0 in front of their own fans but it doesn’t take away from the fact that they have lost seven of their last nine games. Los Cafeteros have won the last five meetings against Paraguay and are tipped to build on that.
MULTIPLE TIPPED @ 62/10
Bolivia Win/Draw 8/10
Uruguay Win 13/20
Chile Win 4/10
Argentina Win 1/4
Colombia Win 4/10
