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Verdict: Brazil win
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Luckster
Getting their World Cup qualifying adventure back underway on Thursday night, Brazil will travel to Venezuela.
Venezuela
Starting with the hosts, while Venezuela might mark their return on Thursday night sat within touching distance of finding a route into the top-six, Fernando Batista’s men find themselves at the heart of a real struggle. Last seen on October 16th suffering a second-half collapse as they fell to a 2-1 loss at the hands of Paraguay, La Vinotinto have won just a pair of their 10 World Cup qualifying showdowns over the past year. Getting their qualifying adventure underway with a 1-0 defeat away at Colombia 14 months ago, the midweek hosts are also without a win from any of their previous five appearances across all competitions. Suffering Copa America heartbreak over the summer as they were hit with penalties heartbreak against Canada at the quarter-final stage, Venezuela should have another stern challenge on their hands here.
Team News
While both Eric Ramirez and Jhon Murillo might have been omitted from Batista’s squad last month, the attacking duo have both been recalled. However, both picking up injury issues, Franklin Barreto and William Cuevas have withdrawn from Venezuela’s squad and will not feature over the next fortnight.
While striking record-breaker Salomon Rondon might have turned 35 back in September, the former Everton striker will lead out Batista’s side on Thursday night. Playing Champions League football with Girona this season, Yangel Herrera will start in the middle of the park.
Brazil
As for the visitors, while Brazil might have continued to show some real inconsistencies since opening their World Cup qualifying adventure last year, the South American giants turned a much-needed corner last month. Last seen putting in a thumping performance as they stormed their way to a routine 4-0 romp against Peru, Dorival Junior will be calling on a repeat performance here. Likewise, along with collecting back-to-back victories for the first time since September 2023, the Selecao have collected nine points from their previous four qualifying showdowns. With the former Flamengo boss desperate to ease some of the pressure on his shoulders, Brazil should be smelling a potential opportunity on Thursday night. It should also be noted, the midweek guests collected a 3-1 win when they last travelled to Venezuela back in October 2021.
Team News
Only getting a handful of La Liga minutes under his belt since arriving at Spanish giants Real Madrid over the summer, Endrick has been omitted from Brazil’s squad. However, although Los Blancos superstar Vinicius Junior might have missed out last month through injury, the 24-year-old has returned to the Selecao’s camp.
With Liverpool shot-stopper Alisson Becker still dealing with a hamstring injury, Manchester City’s Ederson will start between the sticks on Thursday night. The Real Madrid duo of Eder Militao and Rodrygo have both been forced to withdraw from Brazil’s squad after picking up respective long-term injury issues last week.
Key Factors to Consider
- When Venezuela and Brazil met for their reverse World Cup qualifying showdown 13 months ago, Thursday’s opponents played out a 1-1 stalemate in Cuiaba.
- However, Brazil stormed their way to a 3-1 victory when they last travelled to Venezuela back in October 2021.
- The South American giants have collected back-to-back victories for the first time since September of last year.
- Venezuela have collected just a pair of wins from any of their 10 World Cup qualifying appearances.
- Brazil are unbeaten in all of their last 11 consecutive meetings against Venezuela across all competitions.
Conclusion
Appearing to have claimed a much-needed boost last month as they clinched consecutive World Cup qualifying victories, Brazil will know the importance of making another statement here. Securing back-to-back victories for the first time since September of last year, the South American giants will be looking to avoid a potential banana skin on Thursday night. Picking up a 3-1 victory when they last travelled to Venezuela back in October 2021, they should be excited by a rampant record against the midweek hosts. Unbeaten in all of their previous 11 straight battles across all fronts, we are expecting an away victory.
Verdict: Brazil win
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Luckster