Competition: World Cup Qualifying

Market: Venezuela win

Odds: 4/11 @ Pribet

In what is a real must-win World Cup qualifying showdown late on Friday night, Venezuela will welcome Bolivia to Maturin .

Starting with the hosts, managing to claim what was an essential boost as they signed off March with a gritty 1-0 victory at home against Peru, Venezuela will be desperate for a repeat performance here. Marking their return in midweek holding just a one-point buffer over Friday’s guests and slipping out of the play-off spot, La Vinotinto have mustered just a sole win from any of their previous 10 straight appearances across all competitions – a run that stems back to a 3-0 victory against Jamaica 11 months ago. However, pencilled in as a standout contender here and smelling what is a real opportunity, Fernando Batista’s men will certainly be excited to make a return to home soil on Friday night. Along with snatching consecutive 1-1 stalemates against South American giants Argentina and Brazil last year, Venezuela are unbeaten in their previous seven World Cup qualifying showdowns in Maturin. Likewise, Batista’s camp have not shipped more than a single strike in front of their own supporters since way back in November 2022.

As for the visitors, while Bolivia might have enjoyed a sensational three-match winning run between September and October last year, Le Verde have come crashing back down to earth in a worrying fashion. Despite snatching a 0-0 stalemate at home against Uruguay last time out, Oscar Villegas’ men have put just two points on the board from their previous five World Cup qualifying appearances. Getting 2025 underway with a 3-1 loss at the hands of Peru, the Greens have come tumbling out of the play-off spot and are desperately seeking a much-welcomed boost this weekend. With their recent issues underlined by a 4-0 drumming against Ecuador, Bolivia should also be concerned by their most recent trip to Maturin. Including consecutive 4-1 defeats, they have remarkably lost their last three straight trips to Venezuela by an aggregate score of 13-2. It should also be noted, Villegas’ side have recorded just a single victory away at Friday’s hosts since way back in 1993.

Bet: Venezuela 4/11 to beat Bolivia in Friday’s World Cup qualifying matchup @ Pribet