Prediction: Brazil vs Argentina

Verdict: Under 2.5 goals scored – yes

Best Odds: 16/25

Bookmaker: 888sport

Brazil and Argentina have one of the biggest, most intense rivalries in world football. This exciting derby between these two CONMEBOL giants will live another chapter of their heated rivalry this Friday. Both will collide in neutral ground — in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — as this contest will be one of the last tune-up matches before the start of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in March next year. Kick-off for this match has been scheduled at 17:00 hrs (GMT).

Brazil

La Selecao are coming off a 2019 Copa America title earlier this year, but their results have not been very good following that tournament. In fact, Tite’s men have gone W1, D3, L1 in their last five matches — that lone win came in the CA 2019 Final match against Peru. Brazil are currently riding a four-game undefeated streak in friendly matches, and are coming off disappointing 1-1 draws against both Nigeria and Senegal during the October international break. Brazil have also scored one or fewer goals in their last three matches, so there’s no question they must improve their play in the final meters as well. The absence of Neymar — who’s one of the team’s all-time leading scorers with 61 goals in 101 caps — shouldn’t make things easier for them. But playing against Argentina should represent a different degree of motivation. Can they shake off their woes to deliver a strong win on foreign soil?

Team News

Brazil won’t have back-up goalkeeper Ederson, who suffered an injury while playing for Manchester City last week. David Neres and Neymar have also been ruled out of this contest through injury.

Argentina

Argentina ended the 2019 Copa America in third place, although one of the defeats they suffered in that tournament was against Brazil during the semi-finals. Having said that, La Albiceleste are in decent form over the last few months. They have posted a W2, D2 record following the 2019 Copa America and, if we include all games in all competitions, then Lionel Scaloni’s men are currently riding a five-game undefeated streak (W3, D2). Over that five-game span, the 2014 FIFA World Cup finalists have scored 14 goals while conceding just four. The presence of Lautaro Martinez upfront has reduced the scoring burden on Lionel Messi’s shoulders. The Inter Milan forward has nine goals in only 15 international appearances. Can they extend their solid run of form against a strong Brazilian squad?

Team News

Argentina won’t have notable absentees ahead of this game through injury. Lionel Messi, who was suspended from international duty for three months, is eligible to play and should start here. However, some historic players such as Angel Di Maria remain out. Franco Armani has not been called up for this game since he has to play in the 2019 Copa Libertadores final with River Plate next weekend.

Key Factors to Consider

• Four of the last five H2H matches have seen under 2.5 goals. Four have also ended with under 2.5 goals scored in total.
• Each of Argentina’s last four games to produce goals have featured over 1.5 goals by half-time.
• When Brazil lose, they do it emphatically. They haven’t scored in six of their last seven defeats.
• Brazil are on a two-game winning streak against Argentina in all competitions.
• Furthermore, Brazil are W6, D1, L3 in the last 10 matches against Argentina in all competitions.

Conclusion

Games between these two sides tend to be low-scoring affairs. That shouldn’t change here. Expect a tight game with under 2.5 goals scored in total.

Verdict: Under 2.5 goals scored – yes

Best Odds: 16/25

Bookmaker: 888sport