Brazil - Venezuela predictions and free betting tips [13/10/2023]

On Friday, Brazil, in the 3rd round of the final stage of the CONMEBOL qualifying tournament, will host Venezuela at the "Arena Pantanal" Stadium in Cuiabá. 

Projected Line-ups

Brazil: Moraes, Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Lodi, Casemiro, Gimarães, Rafinha, Neymar, Rodrigo, Richarlison.

Venezuela: Romo, Ángel, Osorio, Navarro, González, Herrera, Soteldo, Martínez, Sosa, Martínez, Rondón.

Brazil

Brazil currently ranks 1st in the South American qualifier standings, having won over Bolivia 5:1 and Peru 1:0. Head coach Fernando Diniz employs a 4-2-3-1 formation. Brazil has been regarded as one of the world's strongest national squads in recent years, yet they surprisingly lost to Croatia at the World Cup in Qatar. Diniz has shown a pragmatic coaching style, avoiding much rotation among his players. He has managed to create a friendly atmosphere in the dressing room. Notably, in 2024 he will step down from his position - his successor will be current Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti. Brazil lacks a standout star today. Neymar still plays a significant role, but he can be replaced without difficulty. The forward has overtaken the legendary Pelé in goals scored for the national team. Though Neymar sometimes underperforms in Saudi Arabia, in the qualifying cycle he acts differently. 

Venezuela

Venezuela has gained 3 points in the first 2 rounds - the team lost to Colombia 0:1, then overcame Paraguay 1:0. The only goal came from an eleventh-hour penalty by Salomón Rondón, after an earlier Herrera goal was disallowed. Coach Fernando Batista from Argentina uses a 4-4-2 formation. Struggling to qualify for the World Cup, changes in protocol have given new hope for qualification. The team has had difficulty finding the back of the net, revealing serious issues with scoring ability.

Head-to-Head

The rivals have played 28 matches against each other, with Brazil taking 24 victories and suffering 1 defeat. The last faceoff took place in October 2021, when Venezuela lost at home with a score of 1:3.

Match forecast for Brazil – Venezuela

Venezuela leans heavily on the ageing Salomón Rondón in their attack, and I have doubts that the visitors can score even a single goal. I would go for the wager of both teams to score, no. Historically, Venezuela is the weakest squad in the region.

Goals total forecast

Whilst Brazil demonstrates offensive football, I wouldn't anticipate a landslide victory here. My suggested bet for this match is the total goals scored, under.