World Cup qualifiers are once again the order of the day – I mean, if we have to accept international football, it might as well be a qualifier! I might be out of line, I’m sorry.
Nevertheless, Brazil and Chile clash in the early hours of Friday morning to get our betting weekend off to a flyer.
To Win (90 mins)
Chile 48/10
Draw 49/20
Brazil 11/20
Chile
Chile come into this game on the back of a rather torrid run of form. They are without a win in their last five games and whilst they have maintained an attacking threat, they simply concede in far too many games.
I struggle to see how they can trouble this Brazilian side, outside of the fact that Brazil have suffered so many injuries, simply because they fail to establish an adequate platform from which to launch any sort of attacking threat.
In their last five games they have conceded six goals and only scored one…I mean the data speaks for itself! They have got a young squad though and so one wonders whether on their day, if it all just clicks – could they threaten an opponent?
Nevertheless, we are in the business of making educated gambles – not donating money aimlessly.
Brazil
To suggest that Brazil is under a degree of pressure is an understatement. They are currently in fifth place, holding just ten points. This is a high-pressure environment for coach Dorival Junior – I mean the prospect of a World Cup without Brazil is simply unthinkable.
Eder Militao, Vini Jr., Guilherme Arana and Alisson are all ruled out of contention for this encounter, what that does for the confidence of the team remains to be seen, but my worry for the Brazilians is the effect this will no doubt have on their defence.
In Chile you have a fearless attacking team, they will no doubt have a go at this Brazilian side and given their new look defence and midfield, i think they might manage to come away with something.
Prediction: Brazil (11/20)
To make a case for anything else is just simply nonsensical. Brazil – even with their injuries and concerns – are the more complete side and capable of hurting this fragile Chilean side.
I’m all in on the Brazilians.