Chile vs Venezuela Prediction & Betting Tips (20 November)

The Chilean selection, nicknamed "La Roja", has not participated in a World Cup since 2014 and now finds itself in last position in its current qualifiers with only 6 points after 11 matches. Last June, Chile was eliminated in the group stage of the Copa America. Subsequently, the team suffered four consecutive defeats: against Argentina 4-0, Bolivia 1-2, Brazil 1-2 and Colombia 4-0. However, the Chileans obtained a recent draw against Chile 0-0 on the last day of the qualifiers.

We should not underestimate the selection of Venezuela, who showed a good level during the last Copa América by winning their three group matches against Ecuador, Mexico and Jamaica. However, their journey ended in the quarter-finals, after a penalty shootout defeat against Canada. Although the Venezuelans are currently experiencing difficulties in the qualifiers, with a series of 7 matches without a victory, it should be noted that in the last 4 matches played, they have obtained 3 draws against Uruguay, Argentina and Brazil , three of the best teams in the AmSud zone. 

Chile will have to deal with the absence of several key players for its upcoming matches. Alexis Sanchez (Udinese, 166 selections, 51 goals), the team's top scorer, is out, as are potential starters Erick Pulgar (Flamengo, 54 selections) and Ben Brereton Diaz (Southampton, 35 selections, 7 goals), as well as as veteran Gary Isla (144 sels). Two young players, Marcelo Morales (Universidad, 2 sel) and Dario Osorio (Midtjylland, 15 sel), also had to withdraw. Despite these absences, the team retains important elements such as defender Guillermo Maripan (Torino, 51 sel), defenders Paulo Diaz (River Plate, 51 sel) and Francisco Serralta (Watford), as well as midfielder Arturo Vidal (143 sel, 34 goals), who is making his return after a year of absence. Striker Eduardo Vargas (Atlético Mineiro, 44 ​​goals in 117 caps) is also present. Replacement goalkeeper Graterol (12 caps) is injured and has not been called up for the match against Venezuela, just like Chancellor (37 caps) and Angel (39 caps). Defender Osorio (Parma, 36 caps), initially selected, must give up, while striker Yeferson Soteldo (Gremio, 46 ​​caps, 4 goals) returns after a suspension.

The coach made numerous changes from the October list, with 17 players left out, most of them going uncapped. However, Rondon (45 goals in 113 caps) and Jhon Murillo (4 goals in 45 caps) are very present. Darwin Machis (51 caps, 11 goals) and midfielder Casseres (35 caps) were also called up. Veteran Rincon (138 caps, Santos) as well as Savarino (45 caps) and Yangel Herrera (Girona) are also on the list. In defense, Aramburu (Real Sociedad) and Osorio (Parma) are the most experienced players.