Prediction: Bolivia vs Argentina

Prediction: Argentina win

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Betfair

While the end of the international break may be in sight for some there are still plenty of important games to get through before we can return to domestic football once again. The continent of Europe is focusing most of its attention on the countdown to UEFA Euro 2021 next year, but in South America, they’re already looking ahead to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Today, we’re going to take a look at one of this week’s qualifying games that will be contested between Bolivia and Argentina.

Bolivia

Comprehensive defeats against Peru and Venezuela ensured that Bolivia’s Copa America dream came to an end in 2019, and when they battled Ecuador and Venezuela again, things didn’t get better in 4-1 and 3-0 defeats. They did beat Haiti in a friendly last October but almost one whole year later, their attempt to reach the World Cup started off with a resounding 5-0 defeat at the hands of Brazil.

Team News

Bolivia have named a large squad for the qualifiers and they aren’t currently suffering from any injury or suspension problems. However, there are expected to be a handful of changes after the disappointment of the heavy loss against Brazil.

Argentina

Argentina have been hunting for Copa America and World Cup glory for a long time now and for years they continue to fall at the final hurdle. Still, they have been able to steadily build up a string of positive results prior to WC qualifying getting underway, and they carried that into the game against Ecuador which they were able to win 1-0. It wasn’t particularly convincing, but it was still a good place to start.

Team News

There are some changes expected after the uncertain nature of the win against Ecuador and there are also some injuries that will worry Argentine fans. Dybala, Aguero, Rojo and Lo Celso are all out of action, ensuring that a handful of fringe players may be forced to step up and be counted in yet another really important qualifier for the national team.

Factors to Consider

• Argentina are currently in 4th place in CONMEBOL WC qualifying whereas Bolivia are in 10th.
• Bolivia have won one and lost five of their last six games.
• Argentina have won four and drawn two of their last six games.
• Bolivia have scored six goals and conceded 19 in their last six games.
• Argentina have scored 16 goals and conceded five in their last six games.

Conclusion

We’ve seen Bolivia give Argentina more than just a bloody nose in the past but right now, there’s a clear and obvious gulf in quality between the two. The Bolivians may put a fight in the first few minutes of the game but the Argentines should be able to take over fairly easily, cruising to the kind of win that reminds the rest of the COMNEBOL contingent of one thing – they may not be the superpower they once were, but Argentina can skill knock teams for six.

Prediction: Argentina

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Betfair