* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
Argentina host arch-rivals Brazil on Tuesday night knowing a victory will secure their place in next year’s World Cup. Brazil have already booked their flights to Qatar 2022; they became the first South American qualifiers with a 1-0 victory over Colombia a couple of days ago.
Tite’s men remain undefeated in qualifying with 11 wins and 1 draw. Argentina also come into this one in fine form – La Albiceleste are also undefeated in qualifying and come into this clash having kept five clean sheets on the bounce.
Tuesday 11:30pm: Argentina v Brazil
Premier Sports 1
NEW TO PADDY POWER?
September’s meeting between the pair ended in bizarre fashion as Brazilian health officials halted proceedings about five minutes into the game. Their previous meeting came in the Summer where Lionel Messi finally won his first major International in a narrow 1-0 Copa America final win.
Brazil will be seeking some redemption here and we should expect even more needle between to two sides given how short cut their last encounter was. Although Brazil have already qualified and it’s just a case of when Argentina follow – there is still so much to play for it this one. A tight and tense affair is to be expected.
Half-Time Result – The Draw
Maybe not the most exciting pick to watch as a neutral but I still think there is a bit of value in the price. Both sides came out as 1-0 victors last time out, in two hard fought games. Brazil took just over 70 minutes to break the deadlock at home to Colombia while Argentina scored early away in Uruguay but struggled at times thereafter and relied on some Emi Martinez brilliance in goal.
Both sides will have some tired legs and neither will want to make the first mistake – recent clashes have only been won by the single goal. Expect a cagey first period and a draw at the interval.
Argentina and Under 2.5 Goals
As mentioned, I expect a tight encounter here and traditionally meetings between the two are low scoring contests. Between them, only 10 goals have been conceded in qualifying so this game should come down to very fine margins. Brazil are missing a couple of notable names from the squad including Roberto Firmino and Richarlison and might not be able to freshen things up as much as they would like in attacking areas.
Argentina were able to give Messi some minutes late on last time out as he continues his recovery from a couple of minor issues. While he still hasn’t hit top form this season at PSG – it would be no surprise if a bit of Messi Magic was the difference here. Argentina to Win and Under 2.5 Goals appeals.
Neymar to be Shown a Card
It goes without saying that things could get very heated, very quickly in this one. The Copa America final saw nine bookings. Referee Andres Cunha can expect to have his hands full in this one and the Uruguayan official is not shy in getting his cards out when needs be – he’s brandished 10 cards in his last two World Cup qualifiers.
I expect plenty of names to go into the book here and like the look of Neymar to be one of them. The PSG star has picked up six bookings already this season for club and country. While he often finds himself targeted by opposition defenders, he often gets drawn into retaliation and can easily be wound up.
He’s also no stranger to having a moan with the referee if things aren’t going his way. A no-nonsense ref won’t put up with any Neymar antics for too long – it’s worth backing Neymar to be Shown a Card.
Argentina v Brazil betting tips:
Half-Time Result – The Draw
Argentina and Under 2.5 Goals
Neymar to be Shown a Card
* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
Read
- Score your Football betting tips and previews at Paddy Power News
- Paddy’s Hall of Fame: Brilliant acca sees footie punter land £2,461 off just £5 stake
- Exclusive: Daniel Sturridge to recruit new hairdresser through Squid Game
The Paddy Power Guide To Safer Gambling – Everything You Need To Know
