Our football writer previews gameweek 9 of the CONMEBOL 2018 World Cup Qualifying campaign.
Here we go again! International football makes an abrupt and unwanted (for some) return to our televisions. Nonetheless, it’s just another platform to hopefully make a bit of money! The 2018 World Cup Qualifiers have provided plenty of value on the betting front and below there are five CONMEBOL match-ups that are certainly worth a dabble. Let’s find out who’s worth backing!
THURSDAY 6 OCTOBER
Ecuador 23/20 | Draw 9/4 | Chile 47/20
We kick-start the South American qualifiers with an eye-catching contest between Ecuador and Chile. The latter may have started the campaign ever so sprightly but their current form leaves a lot to be desired. Three losses on the trot, scoring just one measly goal, while conceding 10 times in the process has seen them fall from the summit to fifth place.
Chile have struggled to maintain winning form and as a result are currently placed seventh on the CONMEBOL standings. They were disappointing last time out as they were held to a goalless home draw against Bolivia.
La Roja can’t afford to drop anymore points. They have won the last two meetings against their opponents and will be desperate to turn their campaign upside down. The away team on the Win/Draw Double Chance at 13/20 is the tip.
FRIDAY 7 OCTOBER
Uruguay 3/10 | Draw 39/10 | Venezuela 8/1
Uruguay are top of the log with five wins from eight games, scoring 16 goals and conceding just five times. La Celeste annihilated Paraguay 4-0 last time out and will be eager to build on that victory with a win against bottom placed Venezuela.
La Vinotinto have been dreadful thus far as they are yet to win a match, scoring nine goals and conceding 21 times. However, they actually have a decent record against their opponents, suffering just one defeat in the last five meetings. I still feel Uruguay will be too strong for them, so back the home win + Both teams To Score at 21/10.
Paraguay 19/10 | Draw 43/20 | Colombia 29/20
Paraguay will be determined to return to winning ways following their 4-0 thumping at the hands of Uruguay. Los Guaranies are, however, unbeaten at home with two wins and two draws from four home games, with the stalemates coming against Argentina (0-0) and Brazil (2-2).
Colombia are off the back of a hard fought 2-1 defeat away to Brazil. Prior to that loss, Los Cafeteros had won back-to-back games against Venezuela (2-0 and Bolivia (2-3) respectfully. They have won the last four meetings against Paraguay and at 29/20 are good value for the win here.
Brazil 1/11 | Draw 8/1 | Bolivia 22/1
Next up, Brazil will take on minnows Bolivia and judging by the betting for this encounter, a bloodbath is expected in favour of the home side. Brazil have been excellent of late with two consecutive victories, scoring five goals and conceding just once.
Bolivia will be hoping to stop Canarinho in their tracks, but that’s easier said than done. La Verde are currently in eighth place on the log, suffering five defeats from eight games. The last time these sides crossed paths, Brazil left the pitch 4-0 winners. Goals are expected here, so I’m backing Both Halves to produce Over 1.5 Goals at 37/20.
Peru 28/10 | Draw 47/20 | Argentina 19/20
Peru have found the going tough as they lie second from bottom on the log, sustaining five defeats from eight matches. They did, however, earn a well-deserved 2-1 home win against Ecuador last time out and will be eager to add to that with yet another victory. But unfortunately for them, they will have to do it against the number one ranked team in the world.
Argentina were surprisingly held to a 2-2 draw last time out, ending their four-game winning streak. La Albiceleste are unbeaten in the last 10 meetings against Peru, winning eight times and drawing twice. Back the Argentines to build on that impressive record with another win.
FAVOURED TREBLE @ 16/1
Uruguay Win + BTTS 21/10
Brazil v Bolivia – Both Halves Over 1.5 Goals 37/20
Argentina Win 19/20
Written by Aaron Crowie @Hollywoodbets
