In the early hours of Wednesday, giants Brazil and Argentina clash in a massive South American World Cup qualifier.
Brazil form guideThe Selecao head into this game on a rare, poor recent run of form. A 2-1 defeat in Colombia last time out in qualifying means they are winless in three qualifiers, having suffered back-to-back losses in qualifying.
Their recent qualifiers have been low-scoring, too, as three of their previous four matches in qualifying have produced under 2.5 goals.
However, Brazil are in fifth place in the standings, still in the qualifying spots for next year’s World Cup.
They are unbeaten in their last 46 home qualifiers on home soil, having won 15 of their previous 16 home games in qualifying for the World Cup. Brazil has also scored at least four goals in three of their last four home qualifiers.
Argentina form guideThe world champions saw their recent unbeaten run ended with a surprise 2-0 home defeat by neighbours Uruguay. The defeat ended a 14-game unbeaten run for the Albiceleste while also ending a run of eight consecutive international clean sheets.
Their recent qualifiers have been low-scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in five of their previous six qualifiers.
Argentina have been difficult to beat on their travels in World Cup qualifying as they are unbeaten in 12 away games, having recorded eight wins and four draws.
The visitors have been relatively potent in front of goal of late on their travels in qualifying, scoring at least two goals in eight of their previous 11 qualifiers.
What am I backing?The two South American giants head into this clash on the back of rare international defeats. I believe this will be a close, even affair, which is why I am backing the draw.