Argentina go head-to-head against Chile on Friday. Read our Predictions and Betting Tips with Match Preview, Head-to-head stats (h2h) and Team Form Analysis.
World Cup, KO: 01:00 Sep 6, 2024, Estadio Mas Monumental
Our prediction for this World Cup 2026 match:
Buoyed by the triumph at the 2024 Copa America, Argentina will look to give fans yet another reason to celebrate when they take on Chile in a highly-anticipated World Cup qualifier. La Albiceleste are leading the chase for automatic qualification. But bear in mind that star player Leo Messi misses Friday’s clash with injury. Benfica ace Angel Di Maria has been ruled out with injury. Inter ace Lautaro Martinez is widely expected to lead the line for the hosts, while Roma striker Paulo Dybala returns to the squad.
La Roja, on the other hand, have recorded only one win in the process to date, with the team beating Peru at home. Chile, though, are not regarded as good travellers. And we do not believe that they are capable of spoiling Argentina’s party at Estadio Monumental. To make things even worse for the away team. Bboth Diego Valdes and Alexis Sanchez are out of contention with injuries.
How the bookies view it: Argentina go in as heavy favourites
Argentina are the heavy favourites for this one which shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone considering their form over the past couple of years. PHMACAO has priced the Argentina win at 3/10 while a win for Chile has been priced at 8/1. The draw, which would be a step in the right direction for the away side, has been priced at 7/2 by JILIMACAO.
Recent head-to-head: Ominous signs for Chile
Chile’s recent record against Argentina is rather bleak and won’t fill them with any confidence at all ahead of the match on Friday. Argentina are unbeaten inside 90 minutes in their last 13 matches against Chile. Although two of those matches did end in victory for Chile via a penalty shootout.
The last time Chile defeated Argentina in 90 minutes was in 2008 when they beat the current world champions 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier. However, they have never tasted victory before on Argentinian soil so they are seeking history on Friday.
Players to watch: Stepping into the shoes of legends
Argentina vs Chile has been a fixture over the past 10-15 years that has often been billed as Alexis Sanchez vs Lionel Messi. On Friday, however, neither of these two footballing icons will take to the field as they are both recovering from injury.
It means that there will be an opportunity for certain players to step into the limelight and prove they can be the new leading men for their nations. For Argentina, the mantle will fall on the shoulders of Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez. The duo have had to rotate in recent times. But will be given the opportunity to line up together this weekend.
For Chile, the pressure for creating and scoring goals will be put on Ben Brereton-Diaz. The Southampton forward has often saved his best form for the national team. The opportunity to score away in Argentina will be on that he is relishing.
Predicted line-ups
Messi isn’t the only injury absentee for Argentina as Nicolas Tagliafico and Leonardo Balerdi are also both ruled out. There is plenty of interest in Chile’s squad as Alexis Sanchez isn’t the only veteran to miss out. Claudio Bravo has announced his retirement from international football while Arturo Vidal and Gary Medel have both been dropped.
Argentina: E.Martinez – Molina, Romero, Li.Martinez, Barco – Fernandez, De Paul, Mac Allister – Garnacho, La.Martinez, Alvarez
Chile: Arias – Isla, Lichnovsky, Maripan, Mena – Pulgar, Nunez, Echeverria – Osorio, Vargas, Brereton-Diaz
Argentina vs Chile Prediction
Argentina is sitting at the top of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying campaign when they welcome Chile on Thursday. The Albiceleste lost 2-0 to Uruguay in their last home game but recovered quickly with a 1-0 away win in Brazil.
Chile are having a disastrous qualifying campaign. They have no positives to take from Copa America after suffering the group stage exit. This includes three straight away defeats in the current campaign.
Argentina is coming to this match without Lionel Messi. But it wouldn’t make a difference with plenty of cover available elsewhere.
Our main tip is Argentina to win & under 2.5 goals priced at 3.20 odd since 5 of their 6 games in the tournament registered fewer than 2 goals. Brave punters can take a shot at the full-time correct score 2-0.