Venezuela vs Brazil Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview

The CONMEBOL South America World Cup qualifiers are coming thick and fast and South American expert Nathan Joyes puts forward his Venezuela vs Brazil prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview. 

• Venezuela vs Brazil Tip 1: Venezuela +0.5 Asian Handicap
• Venezuela vs Brazil Tip 2: BTTS Yes
• Venezuela vs Brazil Tip 3: Raphinha to score anytime

Venezuela vs Brazil Prediction 1: Hosts to hold on

Venezuela, World Cup Qualifiers, Thursday, November 14th, 21:00 (UK)

Venezuela’s form has dipped since their Copa America quarter-final exit, although looking closer at their results it’s only their 2-1 defeat to Paraguay that disappoints.

A 4-0 defeat to Bolivia in El Alto was inevitable, whereas two consecutive draws at home against Uruguay and Argentina have kept them in the running for their first ever World Cup finals appearance.

In fact, they haven’t lost at home (W2 D3) and have only conceded one goal – which came against the Copa America and World Cup holders. A dip in form, yes, but Venezuela are certainly not down and out.

Which brings us to Brazil. Rejuvenated, perhaps, but wins against Peru and Chile were expected in the last international break. The Selecao have only picked up six points on their travels, both against Peru and Chile, scoring four goals in their five matches.

Defeats against Colombia, Uruguay and particularly against Paraguay last time out, means they haven’t solved any of their issues on their travels.

Top goalscorer Rodrygo is out injured, and although they have a number of superstars within their ranks, they haven’t yet “clicked” under Dorival Junior.

• Venezuela vs Brazil Prediction 1: Venezuela +0.5 Asian Handicap
• Best Odds: 1.80
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Venezuela vs Brazil Prediction 2: Both nations to fire

It’s public knowledge how poor Brazil have been during the qualifiers, but six goals in the last round will have done them the world of good. Admittedly, they faced the two weakest nations, but Brazil carved Peru open with ease – and Venezuela will be worried.

Only Argentina has scored against Venezuela at home, but keeping Savio, Raphinha, Luiz Henrique, Igor Jesus and Estevao quiet for 90 minutes will be as challenging as it gets. As mentioned in our opening bet, the game is unlikely to get out of hand, but a 1-1 draw looks a real possibility.

Venezuela’s not so secret weapon, Salomon Rondon, can’t stop scoring for his beloved country. After three goals at Copa America, it was his towering header that saw his nation secure an important point against the World Champions.

A recent hattrick for his club Pachuca against Necaxa may not have Brazil’s defence trembling with fear, but he’s a nightmare to handle in the air, and Gabriel and Marquinhos may not be able to deal with him from set pieces.

So much is on the line for both nations – especially for the hosts – and they are both capable of finding the back of the net in round 11 this week.

• Venezuela vs Brazil Prediction 2: BTTS Yes
• Best Odds: 1.615
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Venezuela vs Brazil 3: Barca man on fire

If there’s one player that can unlock Venezuela’s defence, it’s likely to be Barcelona’s captain Raphinha. The 27-year-old has scored six goals in his last five matches for his club, including a hattrick against Bayern in the Champions League.

Prior to that, the reinstated winger scored a brace against Peru in Brazil’s last World Cup qualifier, the man who was deemed responsible from 12 yards for their opener.

Brazil haven’t been great on the road, and Venezuela have been tough to beat at home, but they haven’t faced many quite like Raphinha of late – and his performances in the final third have been something else in La Liga.

Venezuela’s right-back Jon Aramburu was carded and substituted against Barcelona just before the break, and he’ll have yet another difficult evening against the Brazilian. That will certainly be an interesting battle, but one that might swing in favour of Raphinha on this occasion.

With Rodrygo out injured and Vinicius Junior continuing to unimpress at international level, the in-form Barcelona man is almost impossible to ignore at present.

• Venezuela vs Brazil Prediction 3: Raphinha to score anytime
• Best Odds: 2.050
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Venezuela vs Brazil Prediction odds via bet365 as at 16:00, November 11th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Venezuela vs Brazil Team News and Possible Lineups: Estevao to start on the bench

Venezuela possible starting lineup:
Romo; Gonzalez, Osorio, Ferraresi, Aramburu, Martinez, Rincon, Herrera, Soteldo, Rondon, Savarino

Brazil possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Abner, Gabriel, Marquinhos, Vanderson, Gerson, Guimarães, Savinho, Raphinha, Martinelli, Jesus

Venezuela vs Brazil Match Stats

• Venezuela held Brazil to a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture back in November 2023.
• Venezuela have yet to lose at home during the qualifiers (W2 D3).
• Brazil have only won two of their five away matches (both by a single goal margin).

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