In the early hours of Monday, Brazil and Venezuela face off at the Arena Pantanal as the home team looks to continue their strong record in World Cup qualifying.
Brazil form guideThe Selecao’s recent international form has not been that convincing, as they have won just three of their last six matches. However, Fernando Diniz’s team has recorded back-to-back wins over Bolivia and Peru in their previous two World Cup qualifiers.
The Selecao has a strong recent record in qualifying, as they are unbeaten in their previous 36 World Cup qualifiers dating back to 2015 when they suffered a 2-0 defeat in Chile.
Brazil have been strong at both ends of the pitch in qualifying recently. The home team kept clean sheets in six of their previous eight qualifiers, having also scored at least four goals in four of their last five qualifiers.
Venezuela form guideThe visitors head into this clash on the back of three 1-0 victories in their last four international outings. A 1-0 home win over Paraguay last time out means their previous five games have all produced under 2.5 goals.
Venezuela’s recent record in qualifying has been inconsistent lately, as they have won one and lost one of their qualifiers. However, they have lost seven of their last nine matches in qualifying. The victory over Paraguay last time out ended a four-game losing run.
They have struggled in front of goal in recent qualifiers, as they have failed to score in three of their last four matches in qualifying.
Venezuela have been poor on their travels in qualifying, losing all their last ten qualifiers away from home, having failed to score in four of their previous five away qualifiers.
What am I backing?Brazil has a formidable recent record in World Cup qualifying, and Venezuela has been poor in qualifiers. I am backing a comfortable home victory.
7 tips in BG
