Argentina forward Lionel Messi. (Photo : Getty Images)
Bottom-dwelling team Venezuela (0-6-1, 1 point) will face number one squad Argentina (4-1-2, 14 points) in a 2018 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL qualifiers Matchday 8 affair on Sep. 6, Tuesday at the Estadio Metropolitano de Mérida in Mérida, Venezuela.
Start Time and Streaming Info
The game starts at 7:00 p.m. UTC+4. It can be viewed live online thru FuboTV.
Venezuela remained winless in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers after its 0-2 defeat in the hands of Colombia on the road at the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez in Barranquilla last Thursday, Goal reported.
Real Madrid's James Rodriguez scored in injury time while midfielder Macnelly Torres netted one with nine minutes left before full time to lead the hosts in the contest.
It was the second straight loss and sixth overall in the qualifiers for La Vinotinto as new head coach Rafael Dudamel dropped his World Cup qualifying debut.
Venezuela is currently tenth in the tourney's 10-team table with only a point to boot after seven matchdays. Ninth-placed squad Peru is three points above with four points.
Meanwhile, Argentina had climbed to the top of the table after beating fellow powerhouse team Uruguay, 1-0, at the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas in Mendoza also last Thursday, as per Daily Mail Online.
Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi outplayed FC Barcelona teammate Luis Suárez as he scored the winning goal of the match with two minutes to go before the halftime break.
It was the fourth straight victory for Argentina after opening the qualifiers with three winless performances. It was also a debut win for new manager Edgardo Bauza, who replaced Gerardo Martino last month.
However, the win came with a cost for La Albiceleste as Messi is now unavailable for this game against Venezuela after aggravating his groin injury against Los Charrúas. Messi is also set to miss time in La Liga because of the injury as team doctors advised him to rest for an indefinite period.
Prediction and Predicted Lineup
The predicted result is a 2-0 victory for Argentina.
Venezuela starting lineup (4-4-2 formation): Hernandez; Rosales, Gonzalez, Vizcarrondo, Velazquez; Anor, Figuera, Rincon, Penaranda; Rondón, Martinez
Argentina starting lineup (4-2-3-1 formation): Romero; Zabaleta, Otamendi, Funes Mori, Mas; Biglia, Mascherano; Banega, Lamela, Di Maria; Pratto
